Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, educate the girl child), Is a campaign of the government of India that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls in India. we can say that women were dis-empowered instead of being empowered. In order to empower women and give them their full rights,right from the birth the Government of India has launched this scheme. The scheme was launched with an initial funding of Rs.100 crore. It mainly targets the clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarkhand, Punjab, Bihar and Delhi.

Reasons for this initiative

The reduction of in the female population of certain Indian states continues to worsen, as result of the 2011 national census have shown. After the birth of a girl child, she has to face another type of discrimination in terms of education, health, nutrition safety, rights and other needs of the girl child. It has been observed that the trends is most pronounced in relatively prosperous regions of India. The dowry system in India is often blamed, the expectation that a large dowry must be provided for daughters in order for them to marry is frequently cited as a major cause for the problem. Pressure for parents to provide large dowries for their daughters is most intense in prosperous states where high standards of living and modern consumerism, are more prevalent in Indian society. Rates of female foeticide in Madhya Pradesh are increasing, the rate of livebirths was 932 girls per 1000 boys in 2001, which dropped to 918 by 2011. It is expected that if this trend continues by 2021 the number of girls will drop below 900 per 1000 boys.

Support

The Government of India has formed a National Executive Committee to promote Beti Bachao Beti Padao (BBBP) across the country. The committee is organizing a number of programs to promote “Save Girl Child” and “To Educate Girl Child” since January 2015. Dr.Rajendra Phadke is the National Convener of BBBP Abhiyan. The BBBP is also supported by the Indian Medical Association.

Effectiveness

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) reported that the scheme failed to meet its objectives. As per the CAG data, the sex ratio has deteriorated in many districts of Haryana and Punjab. According to the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development only Rs.5 crore of a total of Rs.43 crore allotted for the scheme in the financial year 2016-2017 was properly used. As per the government data, more than 56% of funds were spent on publicity from 2014-2015 to 2018-19. Less than 25% of the funds were released to districts and states, and the government did not release more than 19 percent of the funds. Minister of state Ministry of Women and Child Development. Virendra Kumar Khatik, claimed that the sex ratio in 53 put of 161 districts under the scheme declined between 2014-15 and 2016-17. According to experts, the scheme’s minimal success is due to the government’s inability to release funds efficiently and its disproportionate focus on publicity rather than making initiatives in the health and education sectors.

Let’s all join our hands together and save a girl child and educate a girl child.

Technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life, or as it is sometimes phrased, to change and manipulation of the human environment. Technology is the sum of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation. Technology can be the knowledge of techniques processes and the like or it can be embedded in machines to allow for operation without detailed knowledge of their workings. Systems applying technology by taking an input, changing it according to the system’ use and then producing an outcome are referred to as technology systems or technological systems.

History

The use of tools by early humans was partly a process of discovery and of evolution. Early humans evolved from a species of foraging hominids which were already bipedal, with a brain mass approximately one third of modern humans. Tool use remained relatively unchanged for most of early human history. Approximately 50,000 years ago, the use of tools and complex set of behaviors emerged, believed by many archaeologists to be connected to the emergence of the fully modern language.

Is technology good or bad

These days it’s trendy to talk about technology as if it were purely a bad thing. After all, we’ve got companies violating our privacy and harvesting our data without being transparent about what they’re doing, tools like personal assistants recording us without our knowledge and regular breaches that put our personal information at risk. The same tools we’re concerned about can also makes our lives better from connecting doctors more quickly than ever to patient data to digital bus routes that make transport more efficient. Technology on it’s own isn’t bad or a good thing, it’s how it’s used that matters.

The evolution of technology is beneficial to humans for several reasons. At the medical level, technology can help treat more sick people and consequently save many lives and combat very harmful viruses and bacteria. Technology has also increased the productivity of almost every industry in the world.

Modern technology is used for many lifestyles conveniences from our smartphones to our vehicles, but it’s also saving lives every second by advancing our medical science. Technology allows the world’s most state-of-the-art hospitals to catch and treat diseases faster and more efficient than ever.

Technology reduces the cost of doing much of the work. The lower cost of production helps to increase the profit margin, which is essential in eradicating poverty. Technology opens up doors for new opportunities to do business or work. In turn, it increases the household incomes among the poor population.

Social media and mobile devices may lead to psychological and physical issues, such as eyestrain and difficulty focusing on important tasks. They may also contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression. The overuse of technology may have a more significant impact on developing children and teenagers.

Technology addiction falls into a category of addiction termed behavioral addictions. Behavioral addictions are widely recognized by mental health and addiction professionals and include other behaviors such as gambling etc.

Conclusion

Technology has made our society make it to the point of ignorance to the fact that there might be a day when our technology does not work and they cannot at the moment live without it.We have grown to rely on our technology to make our lives easier.

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a musician. The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals etc. The music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowering river? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, quoted “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between”.

Importance of music

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music one tends to forget all his/her worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

Magical powers of music

It has a power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Music and brain health

Music seems to find re-routed paths and that is why it is such a useful tool in terms of helping people with different kinds of brain damage because it can help find new pathways in terms of brain functioning. Th reward system of the brain is highly associated with music. One specific rain formation. known as the striatum discharges substance called Dopamine in reaction to pleasure-related stimulating elements. The processing of music in the brain is done differently, than any other stimulating elements making it important for researchers to understand the effects of music on the brain.

Music therapy

Music therapy an allied health profession, is the clinical and evidence-based use ofmusic interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy is a broad field. Music therapists use music-based experiences to address client needs in one or more domains of human functioning cognitive, academic, emotional/physiological, spiritual aesthetics. Music experience are strategically designed to utilize the elements of music for therapeutic effects, including melody, harmony, key mode, meter, rhythm, pitch/range, duration, timbre form, texture and instrumentation.

Evidence suggests that music therapy is beneficial for all individuals both physically and mentally. Benefits of music therapy include improved heart rate, reduced anxiety, stimulation of the brain and improved learning. Music therapists use their techniques to help their patients in many areas, ranging from stress relief before and after surgeries to neuropathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease.One study found that children who listened to music while having an IV inserted into their arms showed less distress and felt less pain than the children who did not listen to music while having an IV inserted. Studies on patients diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression have shown a visible improvements in their mental health after music therapy.

Conclusion

Music may cause you feel joyful, sad, anger, hyped up, relaxed etc and sometimes you can feel more than one emotion during a song. As research shows music not only affects what kind of mood we may be in, but also seem to have a habit of choosing music based on the moods we are already feeling.

During the planning of upcoming summer vacation, we all realize how stressed we are with our work and personal life. Not knowing how we could possibly find the time to relax without worrying about everything else in the world that will be going on at home while we’re gone, I did some research to pull together some tips for relaxing vacation.

In order to be able to take a relaxing vacation, you will want to make sure that all your affairs are in order at home, and that your trip is planned out perfectly with no oversights. During your actual trip, you can plan peaceful activities and practice relaxation techniques to keep yourself on track. The main idea of a relaxing vacation is to take away all distractions that will remind you of any stress that you might have left behind. To achieve this, you will need to limit the use of electronic devices, and set the majority of your time to the side in order to find peace and relaxation by yourself during your trip.

For busy workaholics, it can be very difficult to even find the time to take a vacation all for yourself, or better yet being able to actually relax while you are there. With endless phone calls and emails to attend to, taking the time to enjoy your travels might seem like the least of your worries. If you are trying to plan the ultimate vacation where you can allow yourself to completely relax and distress, keep reading this quick guide for how you can achieve this on your next trip. In this article, lets see all the bases when it comes to vacations, from relaxation techniques to planning and even saving money.

How to relax on vacation

• Take time off of work.
• Get rid of your electronics.
• Keep yourself focused on relaxing.
• Leave some of your schedule open.
• Occupy yourself with fun activities.
• Plan lots of relaxing activities, too.
• Bounce back to your normal schedule toward the end.

The first thing that you will need to do in order to have any hope of a relaxing vacation is to take time off of work. This will include notifying your workplace that you will not be there for a specified amount of time, with an advanced written notice if necessary. In doing this, you should be very clear with your supervisor or business partners that you will not be available to do any work during your vacation. Often times, other people will get the wrong idea about what you really mean when you tell them that you are taking time off of work. To avoid any confused calls from work while you are relaxing on the beach, it is best to let everyone know right away what your going on.

While your on a trip, it is wise to get rid of your electronics a s much as possible. Of course, you will need your smartphone throughout the day to be able to make calls and get directions, but you should not be using it when it is not absolutely necessary. If you have direct access to your text messages and emails at the tip of you fingers all day, you will be tempted to check business when you really shouldn’t be.

To distract yourself from wanting to check your electronics, you should put all your focus in to relaxing during your vacation. This means that if the thought of work or personal matters start to creep into your mind, you must keep yourself on the right track instead of entertaining these urges.

When it comes to what you will actually be doing on your vacation, you should leave some of your schedule open in order to give yourself time to relax. Sometimes when you are extremely stressed out, the only thing that you need is to lay on the beach or take a nap in your giant hotel bed.

For a period of time where you are not busy doing nothing, you can occupy yourself with a few fun activities in the city that you are travelling to. These activities can be anything from guided tours to hikes or sitting down at a restaurant. Basically anything that you plan to participate in can also help you relax at the same time that they are entertaining you. For instance, you can book a trip to the spa or get an in-room massage that might b offered by the hotel you are staying at.

When you are coming toward the end of your relaxing vacation, you will want to ease back into your normal schedule instead of abruptly ending the habits that you have established on your trip. After all, nobody wants to get used to sleeping in until noon every day for a week and then waking up the next day at 7 to jump out of bed and go right back to work. This is especially true when you are travelling outside of the country and have gotten used to any time difference between each location.

In order to slowly bounce back to your normal schedule, you can start to gradually wake up earlier as you get closer to your day of departure. This way, your body will be well rested and ready for anything once you return home.

Environment means anything that surround us. It can be living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things. It includes physical,chemical and other natural forces. Living things live in their environment. They constantly interact with it and adapt themselves to conditions in their environment. In the environment there are different interactions between animals, plants, soil, water and other living and non-living things.

Since everything is part of the environment of something else, the word environment is used to talk about many things. People in different fields of knowledge use the word environment differently. Electromagnetic environment is radio waves and other electromagnetic radiation and magnetic fields. The environment of galaxy refers to conditions of interstellar medium. In psychology and medicine, a person’s environment is the people, physical things and places that the person lives with. The environment affects the growth and development of the person. It affects the person’s , body, mind and heart. The living conditions of living organisms in an environment are affected by the weather or climate changes in the environment.

Importance of environment

we truly cannot understand the real worth of the environment. But we can estimate some of its importance. Environment plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet earth. Earth is a home for different living species and we all are dependent on the environment on the environment for food, air, water and other needs. Therefore, it is important for every individual to save and protect our environment. The entire life support of humans depends wholly on the environmental factors. It also helps in maintaining various life cycles on earth. Most importantly, our environment is the source of natural beauty and is necessary for maintaining physical and mental health.

Impact of human activities on the environment

In order to meet the basic needs of increases population, the present society has under taken a series of steps like rapid industrialization, unplanned urbanization, over-exploitation of natural sources, etc. There are different types of human activities which are directly attributed to the environmental disasters, which include acid rain, acidification of oceans, change in the climate, deforestation, depletion of an ozone layer, disposal of hazardous wastes, global warming, overpopulation, pollution etc.

Benefits of the environment

The environment gives us countless benefits that we can’t repay our entire life. As they are connected with the forest, tress, animals, water and air. The forests and tress filter the air and absorb harmful gases. Plants purify water, reduce the chances of flood maintain natural balance and many others. Moreover, the environment keeps a close check on the environment and its functioning, it regulates the vital systems that are essential for the ecosystem. Besides, it maintains the culture and quality of life on earth. The environment regulates various natural cycles that happen daily. These cycles help in maintaining the natural balance between living things and the environment.

Disturbance of these things can ultimately affect the life cycle of humans and other living beings. The environment that helped us and other living beings to flourish and grow from thousands of years. The environment provides u fertile land, water, air, livestock and many essential things for survival.

Amidst all the problems that exist in India, the unemployment crisis is at the topmost position. A report by Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reveals India’s unexpected increased unemployment rate to 24% in April 2020, then decreasing to 9.1% in December 2020 and 6% in January 2021. Thus impacted as many as around 90 lakh people losing jobs during the worldwide COVID-19 lockdown. The number of unemployed people might have deceased over the period, but unemployment still remains an unsolved problem in India.

Problems caused due to unemployment

Unemployment and poverty goes side by side. The problem of unemployment gives rise to the problem of poverty. Young people after a long time of unemployment find the wrong way to earn money. To get rid from the unemployment stress, they accept alcohol or drugs. The personal and social costs of unemployment include severe financial hardship and poverty, debt, homeless and housing stress, family tensions and breakdown, boredom, alienation, shame and stigma, increased social isolation, crime, erosion of confidence an self-esteem, the atrophying of work skills and ill-health.

Haryana- The highest unemployment rate in India.

Haryana recorded the highest unemployment rate in India, as per the data released by the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy for February 2021. With a 26.4% unemployment rate. Haryana’s unemployment is nearly four times the national average. The spike in the unemployment rate comes after the state saw a considerable dip in the jobless figures in January 2021. In January, the unemployment came down to 17.7% from over 32% in December 2020. Economists and industries have attributed this to extreme volatility in the market.

Types of unemployment crisis in India:

• Disguised unemployment: When organizations hire employees more than they need.
• Structural unemployment: When employees skill set mismatch with their jobs roles due to the unavailability of jobs in the market.
• Seasonal unemployment: When people do not have work during certain seasons of the year, like labourer in India rarely earn through daily wage jobs throughout the year.
• Technological unemployment: It is when people lose their jobs due to technological advancements. Example- manual processes replaced by digital and automation.
• Cyclical unemployment: When a massive number of employees are removed from the organization during recessions.
• Frictional unemployment: When people are unemployed for a short period while searching for a new job or switching between jobs. The reason for this type of unemployment is not a shortage of jobs, instead the employees themselves quit their jobs in search of better job opportunities.

Major causes and impact of unemployment

• Large population-India has crossed 1,389,456,823 population already with only $1,877 per capital income.
• Low or no educational levels-As per NSO’s report, India’s average literacy rate is 77.7%. The sad part is, almost 2 million graduates and half a million postgraduates are still unemployed in India.
• Low employment skills.Around 47% of graduates in India are not suitable for any kind of job role.
• Job opportunity and skills mismatch-According to a report, 48% of urban youth face the problem of landing a suitable job, 38% of those who are employed are dissatisfied with their current job.
• Societal responsibilities for women-Only 19.9% of educated women in India are employed, as many of them are graduates but have to get married right after their graduation, others quit jobs due to family responsibilities or pregnancy and maternity gap.

Solutions to unemployment

• Education-For every problem in the world,education stands as the strongest solution. Education is the basic right of any citizen and it should be provided with minimum fees. Right from equal educational facilities, to skill-based and computer knowledge, the educational system can and should be improved.
• Career guidance-Job seekers who are educated but could not figure the right career path should consult a career guidance expert. Every industry has numerous career opportunities but Indian workers lack complete awareness about the same. A career guidance expert can help job seekers understand the industry know-how, zero down on the best career option and choose the right career path for them.
• Skill-based training-Every job role requires a specific skill set and every job seeker should get trained in those skills. Many EdTech startups provide career guidance with industry, job or company-specific training to hone organizational skills. These skills training sessions also include resume through mock interviews and everything that can help job seekers become employable.

Superstition refers to any belief or practice that is caused by supernatural causality, and which contradicts modern science. Superstition beliefs and practices often vary from one person to another or from one culture to another, ranging from harmless practices such as lemon-and-chili totems in order to ward off the evil eye to harmful acts like witch-burning. Superstitions have two main causes: cultural tradition and individual experiences. If you grew up steeped in the superstitions of a particular culture or religion, you may carry these beliefs forward, even subconsciously.

Psychologists who have investigated what role superstitions play have found that they derive from the assumption that a connection exists between co-occurring non-related events. For instance, the notion that charms promote good luck, or protect you from bad luck. Superstitions are usually attributed to lack of education. However, this has not always been the case in India, as there are many educated people with beliefs considered superstitions by the public. Being part of religion and tradition practices have been passed down from one generation to another for centuries. The Indian Government has tried to put new laws prohibiting such practices into effect. Due to the rich history of superstitions, these laws often face a lot of opposition from the general public.

Past supersitions

• Sati system – Sati is the act or custom of a Hindu widow burning herself or being burned to death on the funeral pyre of her husband. After watching Sati of his own sister-in-law, Ram Mohan Roy began campaigning for abolition of the practice in 1811. The practice of Sati was abolished by Governor General Lord William Bentinck in British India. On October 1 1987, the legislative assembly of Rajasthan passed an ordinance against Sati which was later turned into an Act. On 3 January 1988, the Indian parliament passed a new law ( Commission Prevention of Sati Act 1987 )based on Rajasthan’s legislation of 1987.

• Human sacrifice – Although human sacrifice are not prevalent in India, rare isolated incidents do happen, especially in rural areas. In some cases, human have bee replaced by animals and birds. This has caused backlash from animal rights groups, so in some places they have again been replaced by human affigies. The motives behind these sacrifices include inducing rainfall and helping childless women conceive. It is alleged that cases often go unreported or are covered up. Between 1999 and 2006, about 200 cases of child sacrifices were reported from Uttar Pradesh.

Common Superstitions

• Itchy palm: Good luck – There are many variations on this superstition. But the idea of having an itchy palm generally refers to someone who is greedy or has an insatiable desire for money. Some believe that if the right palm itches you will meet someone new, while an itchy left palm means that money is coming. Others tell that an itchy right palm means money coming in and a left handed itch foretells money going out.
• Breaking a mirror – Many superstitions people say that breaking a mirror sets you up for 7 years of bad luck. That may be because 7 years is the time it takes to replace all the cells in your physical body. In a more superstitions time, mirrors were thought to be reflections of the soul. So breaking a mirror was believed to be harmful to the soul.
• Black cats: Bad luck – This superstitions is a tough one for cats lovers to swallow, but in the middle ages it was thought that witched kept black cats as companions.

Conclusion

A superstition is an irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, especially in connection with religion. Being too superstitious is opposite of being materialistic and realistic. It is the belief that certain events bring good or bad luck which cannot be explained by reason or science. In short, superstitions means blind belief.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water and land.

7 types of pollution

• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Land pollution
• Radioactive pollution
• Thermal pollution
• Light pollution
• Sound pollution

Air Pollution

Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air. Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust pollen and mold spores may be suspended as particles. Ozone, a gas is a major part of air pollution in cities. When ozone forms air pollution it’s also called smog. Some air pollutants are poisonous.

Air pollution can cause headaches, dizziness. Long term effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people’s nerves, brain, kidneys, liver and other organs.

9 best ways to reduce air pollution

• Using public transports
• Recycle and reuse
• No to plastic bags
• Reduction of forest fires and smoking
• Use of fans instead of air conditioner
• Use filters for chimneys
• Avoid usage of crackers
• avoid using provide with chemicals
• Implement Afforestation

Water pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities. Water bodies include for example lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater. They may use the same polluted river water for drinking or bathing or irrigation. The causes of water pollution vary and may be both natural and anthropogenic. However, the most common cause of water pollution are the anthropogenic ones, including Agricultural runoff carrying fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and other pollutants into water bodies such as lakes, river.

Effects of water pollution include

• Destruction of biodiversity
• Contamination of the food chain
• Lack of potable water
• Disease
• Infant mortality

8 ways to reduce water pollution

• Reduce the use of chemicals when cleaning
• Practice water conservation
• Dispose of your medications properly
• Avoid use of pesticides and herbicides
• Avoid water-polluting recreational activities.
• Avoid disposing items into the toilet
• Maintain your vehicle
• Carryout these practices everywhere

Land pollution

Soil pollution or soil contamination is a part of land degradation is caused by the presence of xenobiotics chemicals or other alternation in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste. Soil erosion the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, deforestation and overgrazing is one of the main reasons for soil pollution. Water pollution-the toxic waste material and liquids that are discarded on land contaminate water through the sewage system and sludges.

Various causes of land pollution

• Deforestation and soil erosion
• Agricultural activities
• Mining activities
• Overcrowded landfills
• Industrialization
• Urbanization
• Construction activities
• Nuclear waste
• Sewage treatment
• Littering

5 best ways to reduce land pollution

• Eat sustainable foodstuffs, properly recycle batteries, produce homemade compost and dispose of drugs in the places authorized for this purpose.
• Encourage a more eco-friendly model for industry, farming and stock breeding, among other economic activities.
• Improve urban planning and transport planning and waste water treatment.
• Improve the management of mining waste, restore the landscape and conserve topsoil.
• Involve local communities and indigenous peoples in the design, implementation and assessment of sustainable land and soil management.

Radioactive pollution

The radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning mining of radioactive ores and handling of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants. Exposure of high level of radiation, such as being close to atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome. It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Causes of radioactive pollution

• The use of nuclear weapons as weapons of mass destruction
• Use of radioisotopes
• Mining
• Spillage of radioactive chemicals
• Tests on radiation

Solution for radioactive pollution – The only options are either to contain the waste storing in tightly closed containers shielded with radiation-protective materials or dilute it. It can also be contained by storage in remote caves or abandoned salt mines

Thermal pollution

Thermal pollution is any deviation from the natural temperature in a habitat and can range from elevated temperature associated with industrial cooling activities to discharges of cold water into streams below large impoundments. The effects of thermal pollution include decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which aquatic life requires, damage to larvae and eggs of fishes in rivers. Killing off some species of fish and macroinvertibrates that have a limited tolerance for temperature change, and migration of living entities.

Ways to prevent thermal pollution

• Heated water from the industries can treated before discharging directly to the water bodies.
• Industrial treated water can be recycled for domestic use or industrial heating.
• Heated water from the industries can be treated by the installation of cooling ponds and cooling towers.

Light pollution

Light pollution is excessive, misdirected or artificial light. Too much light pollution has consequences it washes out starlight in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems had adverse health effects and wastes energy.

Light pollution is mainly caused by misdirected excessive, inefficient and unnecessary lighting systems. New energy efficient and cost efficient light sources such as LED will only aggravate light pollution.

Prevention of light pollution

• Use LED
• Minimizing the use of lights
• Glare-free lighting for vehicles driven at night
• All outdoors lights with glare should be replaced with low-glare alternatives.
• Colored lights can be used as an option.

Sound pollution

Sound pollution also known as environmental noise or sound pollution is the propagation of noise with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life, most of them harmful to a degree. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation system. It effects millions of people on a daily basis. The most common health problem it causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NHL), can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances and stress. These health problems can affect all age group especially children.

Steps to reduce sound pollution

• Close the windows.
• Put on earplugs
• Improve your insulation
• Invest in noise-canceling headphones
• Do wall-to-wall carpeting
• Install a fence

MEANING

A dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and function of dreams are not fully understood. Although they have been a topic of scientific, philosophical and religious interest throughout recorded history. Dream interpretation is the attempt at drawing meaning from dreams and searching for an underlying message. The scientific study of dreams is called oneirology.

Rapid Eye Movement

Dreams mainly occur in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep when brain activity is high and resembles that of being awake. REM sleep is revealed by continuous movements of the eyes during sleep. At times, dreams occur during other stages of sleep. However, these dreams tends to be much less vivid or memorable. The length of a dream can vary, they may last for a few seconds, or approximately 20-30 minutes. People are more likely to remember the dream if they are awakened during the REM phrase. The average person has three to five dreams at night and some may have up to seven. However, most dream are immediately forgotten. During a full eight-four night sleep, most dreams occur in the typical two hours of REM. Dreams related to work-life experience are associated with REM activity, which suggests that emotional memory processing takes place in REM sleep.

Babies spend almost half of their sleep dreaming, while the elderly spend less than a fifth. Blind people dream in other senses, especially if they lost their sight before the age of seven.

Interpretations

Dream interpretation can be a result of subjective ideas and experiences. One study found that most people believe that ” their dreams reveal meaning hidden truths”. In one study conducted in the United States, South Korea and India, they found that 74% of Indians, 65% of South Korea and 56% of Americans believed their dreams content provided them with meaningful insight into their unconscious beliefs and desires.

The history of dream interpretation

Going back around 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia, the earliest recorded dreams were documented on clay tablets. In the Roman and Greek periods, people believed that dreams were messages sent differently from one or more deities, from deceased people, and that they were the predictors of the future. Then there were cultures that practiced dream incubation, their intention being to cultivate dreams of prophecy.

Nightmare

A nightmare is an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong negative emotional response from the mind. Typically fear or horror, but also despair, anxiety and great sadness. The dream may contain situations of danger, discomfort, psychological or physical terror. Sufferers usually awaken in a state of distress and may be unable to return to sleep for a prolonged period of time. Therapy for recurring nightmares (often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder) can include imaging alternative scenarios that could begin at each step of the dream.

Do dreams have a deeper meaning?

A surprising number of people believe that the answer to this question is yes. According to a poll conducted, 43% of Americans believe that dreams reveal unconscious desires and wishes. While most modern theories of dreams would suggest that the answer is no, this hasn’t stopped interpreters and analysis from publishing a whole host of dream dictionaries that purport to identify what these common dream themes and symbols really mean.

Rain is one of the most beautiful moments of nature. Rain is the falling of water from the clouds coming back to the earth, which is taken indirectly by the sun. Rain is a very beautiful moment that can enhance any person, and is able to make many people to admit it as a great blessing of God bestowed upon man by him in some specific time. Nature is beautiful and it has many forms, and scenes, each of which is different to one another and varies in their beauty. Rain is one of them that give a real feeling of happiness and gratitude in a sad or mournful time. There are various ways to enjoy rainy days. You can sit in your balcony and sip on tea while enjoying the whether. Moreover, you may go in the garden or terrace and bathe in it. Make paper boats and take a long drive on the road as well.

Rainy days are different from any other day. They hold great importance for everyone differently. People have different reasons to wait for the rainy season. No matter what the whether may be, a rainy day relaxes and soothes our soul. There are no age limits to enjoy rainy days people of almost every age enjoy it equally.

As stated earlier, rainy days are enjoyed by people of all ages. The kids are probably the most excited lot of all. Rainy days bring pleasant weather and uplift the moods of kids. Moreover, it gives them a chance to step out and play in the rain, jump in the puddles and make paper boats. Similarly, for students, a rainy day means a break from school. It gives them a break from their monotonous routine as the school declares a holiday. The joy of giving to school on a rainy day enjoying the weather and then realizing the school is closed is one of a kind experience. The students become relaxed and spend their day doing other activities like going out with friends and more. Most importantly, we see rainy days are of utmost importance for farmers. It is quite essential for the production of crops. It provides them with adequate water to make their crops flourish which will eventually benefit them.

Nature

A fresh, afternoon shower soothes our soul and rekindles our enthusiasm. The rain drops resting on the trees and flowers, and the chirping of a thousand unknown birds provide a surreal feeling to our minds. The sound of rain on tin roofs and the refreshing petrichor acts as a balm for our tired souls. Something is astonishing and beautiful in observing cats and dogs as they run inside sheds to shelter themselves from the torrential downpour. Rainy days are like recesses between our exhausting routines. We are all creatures of Mother Nature, and it takes very little to bring out our anarchic selves. Rainy days are those rare times when we take our eyes off our phones and gadgets and experience nature in all its glory. Few people can resist running to their balcony to take in the smell of rain. It fills our mechanical hearts with a strange warmth. The small raindrops on windowpanes and dandelions shine like pearls in the late sunlight. Rain comes with thunder and lighting. The grey clouds darken the usual azure palate and guard the sun. Every dark cloud has a silver lining, and that renews our hope and inspires us.

Rainy days are perfect for introverts. They would cuddle up with blankets and a warm cup of coffee and their favorite book. They would plug in their earphones and listen to songs.

Due to the devastating pandemic education has changed dramatically, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are affected in school closures or are out of the classroom. Even before COVID-19, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology, with global tech investments reaching US$18.88 billion in 2019 and the overall market for online education projected to reach $350 Billion by 2025. Whether it is language apps, virtual tutoring, video conferencing tools, or online learning software, there has been a significant usage since COVID_19.

ADVANTAGES of ONLINE EDUCATION

• Online class are convenient – The biggest advantage of online class is that everything is available to you. You can get announcements, access notes, review assignments, take practice quizzes, discuss questions, chat with fellow students. Other than certain due dates, you make your own schedule for completing the requirements of the class.
• Online class offer flexibility – Online class gives flexibility to spend time with work, family, friends or any other activity you like.
• Online class bring education right to your home – Children may take interest in online environment. Parents may look over the shoulder of an online student while they are surfing across the web. In shorts, everyone in the household gets involved in learning. Having the support of your family and friends makes you more likely to succeed.
• Online class offer more individual attention – Many students aren’t comfortable asking questions in class for fear of feeling stupid. Many times you think of a question after class or while you are studying. Rather than trying to remember to ask it or forgetting it, you can send an e-mail to the instructor, your opportunity to learn is enhanced.
• Online class have financial benefits – Although you may think that buying computer and paying for internet access is pretty expensive, consider what if would cost you in gas and parking each month if you were driving to campus. Consider the costs of eating out versus eating at home. Consider the costs of pet-care or any other care that you need to provide while you are away from home. These are very tangible benefits of having access to education at home.

DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE EDUCATION

• Online class require more time than on-campus classes – You will spend more time studying and completing assignments in the online environment than you will in an on-campus classes. The online environment is text based. To communicate with your instructor and other students, you must type messages, post responses and otherwise communicate with your fingers. Typing is slower than speaking. Each word you type it and compare the difference if you had spoken the same.
• Online class require good time-management skills – An internet based class demands that you develop personal time-management skills. Online class require the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. It means you have to make online studies priority and not let other activities interfere.
• Online class give you more freedom, perhaps, more than you can handle – This freedom can be dangerous if you don’t learn how to handle it.
• Online class requires you to be responsible for your own learning – Only you are responsible for your learning. You might not take responsibility for your studies and your goals.

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.

Sometimes, the best way to manage your stress involves changing your situation. At other times, the best strategy involves changing the way you respond to the situation.

Mental stress is a form of stress that occurs because of how events in one’s external or internal environment are perceived, resulting in the psychological experience of distress and anxiety. Mental stress is often accompanied by physiological responses. Stress is also the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure.

Developing a clear understanding of how stress impacts your physical and mental health is important. It’s also important to recognize how your mental and physical health affects your stress level.

Signs

Stress can be short-term or long term. Both can lead to a variety of symptoms, but chronic stress can take a serious toll on the body over time and have long lasting health effects.

Some of the signs of stress include

• Changes in mood – Mood swings refer to rapid changes in mood. The term may refer to minor daily mood changes or to significant mood changes as seen with mood disorders such as major depression or bipolar depression. Mood swings cal also occur in women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Diarrhea – According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), when a person is anxious, the body releases hormones and chemicals. These can enter the digestive tract and disrupt the gut flora, which can result in a chemical imbalance that leads to diarrhea.
• Difficulty in sleeping – Many issues that impact your mental or physical health can disrupt sleep. You’re under a lot of stress. Stressful times and event can cause temporary insomnia. And major or long-lasting stress can lead to chronic insomnia.
• Digestive problems – In some people, stress slows down digestions, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhea and frequent trips to the loo. some people lose their appetite completely. Stress can also worsen digestive conditions like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Dizziness – Dizziness is common symptom of anxiety stress and, all if one is experiencing anxiety, dizziness can be anxiety producing. The vestibular system is responsible for sensing body position and movement in our surroundings.
• Headaches – Headaches are more likely to occur when you’re stressed. Stress is a common trigger of tension-type headaches and migraine, and can trigger other types of headaches or make them worse.
• Physical aches and pains – Your muscles tense up to protect themselves from injury when you’re stressed. They tend to release again once you relax, but if you’re constantly under stress, your muscles any not get the chance to relax. Tight muscles cause headaches, back and shoulder pain, and body aches.

Simple ways to relieve stress

• Exercise – Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. It might seem contradictory, but putting physical stress on your body through exercise can relieve mental stress. The benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly.People who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t exercise.
• Light a candle – Using a essential oils or burning a scented candle may help reduce your feeling of stress and anxiety. Some scents are especially soothing, mot calming scents like lavender, rose, orange or orange blossom etc.
• Reduce your caffeine intake – Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. High dose can increase anxiety. Although many studies show that coffee can be healthy in moderation, it’s not for everyone. In general five or fewer cups per day is considered a moderate amount.
• Spend time with friends and family – Social support from friends and family can help you get through stressful times. Being a part of a friend network gives you a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can help you in tough times.
• Laugh – It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re laughing. It’s good for your health, and there are a few ways it may help relieve stress: Relieving your stress response, Relieving tension by relaxing your muscles. In the long term, laughter can also help improve your immune system and mood. A study among people with cancer found that people in the laughter intervention group experience more stress relief than those who were simply distracted.
• Take a yoga class – Yoga has become a popular method of stress relief and exercise among all ages groups. Yoga primarily does this by increasing body and breath awareness. In general, the benefit of yoga for stress and anxiety seems to be related to its effect on your nervous system and stress response.

A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices, namely for decorative purposes, but studies have also shown them to have positive psychological effects. They also help indoor air purification, since some species, and the soil-dwelling microbes associated with them, reduce indoor air pollution by absorbing volatile organic compounds.While generally toxic to humans, such pollutants are absorbed by the plant and its soil-dwelling microbes without harm. Common houseplants are usually tropical or semi-tropical, succulents or cacti. Houseplants need to correct moisture, light levels, soil mixture, temperature and humidity. Without these conditions most house plants need to proper fertilizer and correct-sized pots.

Most species of houseplant will tolerate low humidity environments if they’re watered regularly. Different plants require different amounts of light, for different duration. Houseplants are generally grown in specialized soils called potting compost or potting soil.

Both under-watering and over-watering can be detrimental to a houseplant. Different species of houseplants require different soil moisture levels. Brown crispy tips on a plant’s leaves are a sign that the plant is under-watered. Yellowing leaves can show that the plant is over watered. Most plants can not withstand their roots sitting in water and will often lead to root rot. Most species of houseplant will tolerate low humidity environments if they’re watered regularly. Different plants require different amounts of light, for different duration. Houseplant are generally grown in specialized soils called potting compost or potting soil. A good potting compost mixture includes soil conditioners to provide the plant with nutrients, support, adequate drainage and proper aeration.

Houseplants are generally planted in pots that have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot to reduces the likelihood of over watering and standing water. A pot that is too large will cause root disease because of the excess moisture retained in the soil, while a pot that is too small will restrict a plant’s growth.

Psychological Effects

A 2015 study showed that active interaction with houseplants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work. It appears that benefits are contingent on features of the context in which the indoor plant are encountered and on characteristics of the people encountering them. The phenomenon of biophilia explains why houseplants have positive psychological effects. Biophilia describes humans subconscious need for a connection with nature. This is why humans are fascinated by natural spectacles such as waves or a fire. It also explains why gardening and spending time outdoors can have healing effects. Having plants in indoor living areas can have positive effects on physiological, psychological and cognitive health.

Houseplant Care

Houseplant care is the act of growing houseplants and ensuring they have the necessary conditions for survival and continuing growth. This includes providing soil with sufficient nutrients, correct lighting conditions, air circulation and adding the right amount of water. Watering houseplants on a regular basis is necessary for the plant to remain healthy. They should not, however, be watered on a scheduled basis, because different plant species need different amounts of water and sunlight so it is important to know the specifics for the particular plants that are being grown.

Houseplants sometimes also need to be cleaned of dust and greasy films that collect on the leaves when they are indoors. Dusty, grimy leaves can inhibit growth.

Types of Houseplants

• Pothos
• Spider Plant
• Peace Lily
• Aloe vera
• Rubber plant
• English ivy
• Jade plant
• Bamboo palm

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. This can be caused by a heart attack in which the heart’s demand for oxygen is not met and heart muscle begins to die. With cardiac arrest, normal circulation of blood stops, because of a failure of the heart to contract. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is Coronary Artery Disease. Less common causes include major blood loss, lack of oxygen, very low potassium, heat failure and intense physical exercise.

Causes of cardiac arrest

• Coronary Artery Disease – Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is responsible for 62 to 70 percent of all SCD ( sudden cardiac death). CAD is a much less frequent cause of SCD in people under age 40. Cases have shown that the most common finding at postmortem examination of sudden cardiac death is chronic high-grade stenosis of at least one segment of a major coronary artery, the article that supply the heart muscle with its blood supply.
• Structural Heart Disease – Structural heart diseases are not related to CAD account for 10 percent of all SCDs. Left ventricular hypertrophy is thought to be a leading cause of structural heart disease in the adult population. This is the most commonly result of longstanding high blood pressure which has caused secondary damage to the wall of the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. In the year 1999 United States has found that this accounted to over 30 percent of structural heart disease for those under 30 years. a study of military recruits age 18-35 found that this accounted for over 40 percent of SCDs. Congestive heart failure increases the risk of SCD.
• Non-cardiac arrest – Sudden cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac causes accounts for the remaining 15 – 25 percent. The most common non-cardiac causes are trauma, major bleeding, overdose, drowning etc. cardiac arrest can also be caused by poisoning or lighting.

Signs and Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is not preceded by any warning symptoms in approximately 50 percent of people. For those who do experience symptoms, they will be non-specific, such as new or worsening chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness and vomiting. When cardiac arrest occurs, the most obvious sign of its occurrence will be the lack of a palpable pulse in the victim. The main criterion for diagnosing a cardiac arrest, as opposed to respiratory arrest, which shares many of the same features, is lack of circulation, however there are a number of ways of determining this. Near-death experience are reported by 10 to 20 percent who survive cardiac arrest.

Prevention

Certain strategies to prevent cardiac arrest are with the prime causes of cardiac arrest being ischemic heart disease, efforts to promote a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation are important. For people at risk of heat disease, measures such as blood pressure control, cholesterol lowering are used. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a battery-powered device that monitors electrical activity in the heart and when an asystole is detected is able to deliver an electrical shock to terminate the abnormal rhythm. ICDs are used to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Numerous studies have been conducted on the use of ICDs for the secondary prevention of SCD. These studies have shown improved survival with ICDs compared to the use of anti-arrhythmic drugs. Primary prevention of SCD with ICD therapy for high-risk patient population had similarly shown improved survival rates in a number of large number of studies. Th high-risk patient populations in these studies were defined as those severe ischemic cardiomyopathy.

DOWRY SYSTEM

The dowry system refers to the durable goods, cash, and real or movable property that the bride’s family gives to the groom, his parents and his relatives as a condition of the marriage.

Dowry system was introduced in England in the 12th century by the Normans. Earlier to this there was another kind of practice where husband gave some kind of morning gift to his wife. Dowry was generally given at the wedding by the husband at the church door in front of all present public. In India, it has it’s roots in the medieval times when a gift in cash or kind was given to a bride by her father to maintain her independence after her marriage. During colonial period, it became the only legal way to get married, with the British making the practice of dowry mandatory.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

Dowry Prohibition Act, enacted on May 1, 1961, states to prevent the giving and receiving of a dowry. Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, dowry includes property, goods or money given by either party to the marriage, by the parents of either party or by anyone else in connection with the marriage. This act was passed to put an end to the receiving and giving of an evil practice.

Dowry cases in India

India has the highest number of dowry related deaths in the world according to India National Crime Record Bureau. In 2012, 8,233 dowry death cases were reported across India. This means a bride was burned every 90 minutes, or dowry case issues cause 1.4 deaths per year per 100,000 women in India. Number of reported dowry death cases in India 2005-2019 – In 2019,reported dowry death cases in India amounted to more than 7.1 thousand. This was a gradual decrease from the 2014, in which this was approximately 8.5 thousand. According to World Bank Blog in India the highest dowry system practice is in Kerala. Since 1970 Kerala exhibits stark and persistent dowry inflation and had the highest average dowry in recent years, similar inflationary trends are seen across Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat.

Bad Effects of Dowry

• Dowry leads to harassing a women.
• Women are ill-treated, disrespected, tortured and are subjected to sorts of cruelties in the name of dowry.
• Women are killed or murdered.
• Women are abused.
• Dowries maintain gender inequality.
• Dowries keep women from economic independence.
• Dowries trap poor people in debt.
• Dowries discriminate against the disabled.

Dowry is a social evil in the society, that has caused unimaginable tortures and crimes towards women. The evil has taken lives of many women from all types of society be it poor, middle class or the rich. However it is the poor who succumb and fall prey to it, more due to their lack of awareness and education.

Causes of dowry system in India

• Greed – The expectation that a dowry will be given at the time of the bride and groom’s engagement is to compensate for the groom’s education, career, and wealth. The bride’s education, career and wealth are completely disregarded, as she is not given equal societal status to a man.
• Lack of education – The bride’s family, unaware and un-knowledgeable of the laws, face outrageous financial ultimatums, which when not met, lead to mistreatment of their daughters.

Important Steps to eradicate dowry

• Educate your daughters.
• Encourage them to have their own career.
• Teach them to be independent and responsible.
• Treat them equally without any discrimination.
• Do not encourage the practice of giving or taking dowry.

Lakshmi Sahgal was one of the strongest women during the Indian Independence Movement. She was an officer in the Indian National Army, and the Minister of Women’s Affairs in the Azad Hind Government. Lakshmi Sahgal is commonly called as Captain Lakshmi.

Introduction

Lakshmi Swaminathan was born on 24 October 1914 in Madras to S. Swaminathan, a criminal lawyer and A V Ammu Swaminathan, a women social worker and an activist. During the Indian Independence movement women was not given much importance for education and was forced to marry in a very small age. But Lakshmi Swaminathan was a strong women who decided to complete her higher studies and then get married. She studied medicine and received MBBS degree from Madras Medical College in 1938. In 1939 she received her diploma in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. She worked as a doctor in Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in Chennai. Captain Lakshmi married Prem Kumar Sahgal in March in Lahore. They had two daughters. Lakshmi Sahgal continued her profession even after her marriage. Lakshmi was a helping hand for the refugees who was arriving in large numbers because of the Partition of India. Her daughter Subhashini was a Communist politician and activist.

Indian National Army/ Azad Hind Fauj

During the surrender of Singapore by the British, Lakshmi Sahgal aided wounded prisoners of war in Singapore. Singapore at that time had several nationalist Indians working there such as K P Kesava Menon, S C Guha and N Raghavan. Subhash Chandra Bose had arrived in Singapore on July 1943. Subhash Chandra Bose had arrived in Singapore to draft women into the organisation. Dr. Lakshmi had a meeting with Bose and set up a women’s regiment, to be called the Rani of Jhansi regiment. Most of the women were interested to join the all-women regiment and Dr. Lakshmi became the Captain of this regiment. This was a turning point in Lakshmi Swaminathan’s life and later she was called as Captain Lakshmi.

Indian National Army also known as Azad Hind Fauj did not receive any approval from occupying Japanese forces regarding their participation in the war. In 1944 the Indian National Army along with the Japanese army marched to Burma for a war against them. But many were arrested by the British army and was sent to India. Captain Lakshmi was a part of the Azad Hind Fauj was also arrested and sent to India and was sent to jail.

After the Indian Independence, in 1971 captain Lakshmi joined the Communist Party of India and was also representated the party in the Rajya Sabha. Captain Lakshmi during the Bangladesh crisis, she organised relief camps and medical aid for refugees who streamed into India from Bangladesh. Captain Lakshmi was one of the member of All India Democratic Women’s Association. Captain Lakshmi along with others members of All India Democratic Women’s Association led many activities and campaigns. She led many medical camps and also organised many medical teams in many places. One of the notable medical camp conducted by Captain Lakshmi was in Bhopal after the gas tragedy in December 1984, worked towards restoring peace in Kanpur following the anti-sikh riots and Captain Lakshmi was arrested for her participation in the campaign against the Miss World competition in Bangalore. She was seeing her patients regularly at the age of 92. In 2002 the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India ( Marxist), the Revolutionary Socialist Party, and the All India Forward Bloc nominated Lakshmi as a candidate in the presidential elections. She was the sole opponent of A P J Abdul Kalam, who won the election and became the President.

In 1998 Captain Lakshmi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by Indian President K R Narayan. In 2010, she was bestowed with Honorary doctorate by University of Calicut.

Death

On 19 July 2012, Captain Lakshmi suffered a cardiac arrest and died on July 23 2012 at the age of 97 at Kanpur. Her body was donated to Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College for medical research.