In India Puppetry has been one of the most ancient folk skill forms of traditional entertainment and has the richest variety of types and styles of shadow puppets.
Shadow puppets are made up of leather that has been carved into flat figures.
The audience is seated in front of the screen, and shadow puppets are pressed up against the screen with a powerful source of light behind it. The interaction between the light and the screen creates vibrant shadows for the audience. Popular regions for these puppets include Orissa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Indian shadow puppetry examples include:
Togalu Gombeyatta (Karnataka),
Tholu Bommalata (Andhra Pradesh),
and
Ravanachhaya (Odisha)
Togalu Gombeyatta:
Togalu Gombeyatta is the name of Karnataka’s shadow theatre.
Most of these puppets are small in size.
However, the puppets’ sizes vary according to their social standing; for example, kings and religious figures are larger than ordinary people or servants, who are smaller.
Tholu Bommalata:
The majority of it comes from the state of AP. The puppets have jointed shoulders, elbows, and knees and are quite huge. On both sides, they are colored. As a result, these puppets cast colorful shadows on the screen. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas are used as the inspiration for the puppet plays’ themes, and the music is mostly influenced by local classical music.
Ravanachhaya, Orissa:
This is a type of puppet from that state. There are no joints and the puppets are in one piece. Since they lack color, they cast opaque shadows on the screen. Along with the usage of human and animal characters, several props are also employed, including trees, mountains, chariots, etc. Despite being smaller in size—the tallest Ravanachhaya puppets are less than two feet tall and lack jointed limbs—they cast incredibly tender and lyrical shadows.
Gender role and division on Shadow puppetry in India:
For a long time, this art has hampered the involvement of women in taking part in the playing role of puppets. Women are mostly hidden or invisible in play and men’s roles are exclusively visible. A study conducted on the role of women in the traditional puppeteer family in India on two major forms of puppetry-‘String puppetry and Leather- Shadow puppetry which shows women are not involved in making puppets even in South India that are made of wood called string marionettes.
Women are mostly involved in the fabrication of natural dyes and colors, such as those made from dirt, mud, leaves, tree bark, seeds, and charcoal, on cloth, the preparation of appam (Wall putty) utilizing soft lay, tamarind seeds, and traditional glue, and the designing and dressing of costumes are all more commonly done by women. puppets that are stitched using a needle and thread.
Whatstudies say?
Traditional puppeteers did not allow women to take part actively as in Kerala, Shadow puppetry and the place and performance going on are like a temple and puppets are made of Gods and goddesses to be played on stage where they are not allowing women for the reason by the Custom or their menstruation. Only Male members are allowed to connect the profession and play roles.
What’s now?
Nevertheless, Today Women from Traditional families and women who are interested in puppetry come under an umbrella called Contemporary puppeteers. As a result, women in puppetry are using puppetry to revive the art form, to address some of India’s most pressing social problems, to impart education, awareness campaign, in theatre, and also as therapeutic value.
Women artists today not only contribute to this rich art form, but they also hold their own as equal puppeteers and performers. The evident cultural rebirth can be seen in the appropriation of traditional art, modifications, exploration of interconnection, artistic and creative modules connecting the international models, for teaching, education, social cause, campaign, and lastly to entertain with a message.
Reference:
Many Voices, One World (1982). New Delhi: Oxford, IBH. Melkote, S.R. (1991). Communication for Development in the Third World: Theory and Practice. New Delhi: Sage. Mukhopadhyay, D. (1994). Folk Arts and Social Communication, New Delhi: Publications Division.
Empowerment stands for giving authority and power to women. Thus, Women’s empowerment refers to empowering women to make their own decisions. It means women should have full equality across all fields, regardless of stereotypes. With higher literacy rates and equal pay for equal work, women can thrive economically and rise out of poverty. Protecting women and girls from violence and abuse while challenging the stigmas against reporting crimes would overall create a much safer society.
The Current State of Gender Equality:
On the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index of 2021, India ranks 140th among 153 nations, “becoming the third-worst performer in South Asia.” India fell 28 places from its 2020 rank of 112th. The report cites several reasons for this fall. In terms of political empowerment, the number of female ministers declined from about 23% in 2019 to just 9% in 2021. The female workforce participation rate also decreased “from 24.8% to 22.3%.” Additionally, the “share of women in senior and managerial positions also remains low.” The report also indicates that women in India earn just one-fifth of what men earn.
Furthermore, “one in four women” endure “intimate violence” at least once in their lifetime. Although India has achieved gender parity in educational attainment, illiteracy rates among women remain high. The report indicates that just 65.8% of women in India are literate in 2021 in comparison to 82.4% of men.
Women also endure inequality concerning land and property rights. A 2016 UNICEF report noted that only 12.7% of properties in India “are in the names of women” despite 77% of women in India depending on agricultural work as a core source of income.
Benefits of Empowering Women in India:
As the majority of India’s population, women represent a significant portion of the nation’s untapped economic potential. As such, empowering women in India through equal opportunities would allow them to contribute to the economy as productive citizens. With higher literacy rates and equal pay for equal work, women can thrive economically and rise out of poverty.
Protecting women and girls from violence and abuse while challenging the stigmas against reporting crimes would overall create a much safer society. Improving the female political representation rate would enable more women to serve as role models for young girls and allow a platform to bring awareness to the issues affecting women in India. Overall, gender equality allows for women to live a better quality of life, allowing them to determine their futures beyond traditional expectations.
Women Of Worth (WOW):
According to its website, “Women Of Worth exists for the growth, empowerment, and safety of girls and women” standing “for justice, equality and change.” WOW began in 2008, created by a group of women who longed for change in a society rife with gender discriminatory practices. Its ultimate vision is “to see women and girls live up to their fullest potential.” With a mission of empowering women in India.
The organization has three focal areas:
1. Advocacy Work: WOW utilizes social media platforms to raise awareness of gender inequality and “change attitudes and behavior.”
2. Training and Health Services: WOW provides training to both men and women in schools, tertiary institutions, and companies on women’s safety and rights. It also presents lectures and “keynote addresses” on the topic. Furthermore, WOW provides counseling sessions to improve mental health. Rehabilitation and Restoration: WOW offers “counseling, life skills training, and therapy” to children and women who are victims of abuse, neglect, and trafficking.
WOW’s efforts have seen success. The organization helped to rescue 200 girls from abusive backgrounds, providing them with rehabilitation services. WOW also gave 11 girls scholarships to continue their education. WOW provided training on gender equality to about 800 working people and “1500 students” along with “200 parents” and 300 educators.
3. Gender equality is a crucial cornerstone in the advancement of any society or nation as it affects all areas of society from economic growth to education, health, and quality of life. Gender inequality in India is a deep-rooted, complex, and multi-layered issue but it is also an essential battle to overcome to see the fullest potential of the nation.
How are women empowered in India?
The Constitution of India has certain provisions that specifically focus on women’s empowerment and prevents discrimination against women in society. Article 14 talks about equality before the law. Article 15 enables the state to make special provisions for women.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Andolan has been launched for creating awareness among the people to educate all girl children in the country. The government successfully promotes this scheme by forming District Task Force and Block Task Force. The scheme was launched in the Panipat district of Haryana on 22 January 2015 with initial funding of Rs. 100 crore. Before the launching of this scheme, the Child Sex Ratio of Panipat was 808 in 2001 and 837 in 2011.
Massive publicity is made about the program in print and electronic media, and the logo of this scheme is very common in government buildings such as pillars of National Highway 44, Panipat District Court, bus stand, and railway station of Panipat district, etc.
Financial independence is important for women’s empowerment. Women, who are educated and earning, are in a much better position in our society as compared to uneducated women workers. Therefore, a scheme called working women hostels has been launched so that safe and convenient accommodation should be provided to working women. The benefit of this scheme is given to every working woman without any distinction of caste, religion, marital status, etc. To take benefit from this scheme, the gross total income of women should not exceed Rs. 50,000 per month in the case of metropolitan cities whereas, in the case of small cities, the gross total income should not exceed Rs. 35,000 per month.
The focus of the government has shifted from women’s development to women-led development. To achieve this goal, the government is working around the clock to maximize women’s access to education, skill training, and institutional credit. MUDRA Yojana ( Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd ) is one such scheme that was launched on 8 April 2015 in which loans up to Rs. 10 lakh are provided to women entrepreneurs, without any collateral. For instance: A woman namely Kamla daily wage laborer from Panipat has taken a loan of Rs. 45,000 from the State Bank of India to start work in a beauty parlor and she is engaged in gainful employment with dignity now.
Conclusion:
Women must have an equal voice, rights, and opportunities, throughout their lives. Gender equality can make a difference to individual lives and whole communities. Economic and Social Empowerment places women and girls in a stronger position. Women’s and girls Economic Empowerment gives a voice in decison making processes. women also should be given equal rights like men to actually empower them. They need to be strong, aware, and alert every time for their growth and development. The most common challenges are related to the education, poverty, health, and safety of women.
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until she died in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and 15 at the time of her death.[a] Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch and the longest recorded of any female head of state in history.
Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). Her father acceded to the throne in 1936 upon the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, making Elizabeth the heir presumptive. She was educated privately at home and began to undertake public duties during the Second World War, serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In November 1947, she married Philip Mountbatten, a former prince of Greece and Denmark, and their marriage lasted 73 years until his death in April 2021. They had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.
When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (known today as Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonization of Africa, and the United Kingdom’s accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories gained independence and some realms became republics. Her many historic visits and meetings include state visits to China in 1986, Russia in 1994, and the Republic of Ireland in 2011, and meetings with five popes.
Significant events include Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively. Elizabeth was the longest-lived British monarch and the second-longest reigning sovereign in world history, behind only Louis XIV of France. She faced occasional republican sentiment and media criticism of her family, particularly after the breakdowns of her children’s marriages, her annus horribilis in 1992, and the death of her former daughter-in-law Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. However, support for the monarchy in the United Kingdom remained consistently high, as did her popularity. Elizabeth died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire in 2022, months after the Platinum Jubilee, and was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III.
Elizabeth was the elder daughter of Prince Albert, duke of York, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. As the child of a younger son of King George V, the young Elizabeth had little prospect of acceding to the throne until her uncle, Edward VIII (afterward duke of Windsor), abdicated in her father’s favor on December 11, 1936, at which time her father became King George VI and she became heir presumptive. The princess’s education was supervised by her mother, who entrusted her daughters to a governess, Marion Crawford; the princess was also grounded in history by C.H.K. Marten, afterward provost of Eton College, and had instruction from visiting teachers in music and languages. During World War II she and her sister, Princess Margaret Rose, perforce spent much of their time safely away from the London blitz and separated from their parents, living mostly at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and the Royal Lodge, Windsor, and Windsor Castle.
Early in 1947, Princess Elizabeth went with the king and queen to South Africa. After her return, there was an announcement of her betrothal to her distant cousin Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten of the Royal Navy, formerly Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The marriage took place in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. On the eve of the wedding her father, the king, conferred upon the bridegroom the titles of duke of Edinburgh, earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. They took residence at Clarence House in London. Their first child, Prince Charles (Charles Philip Arthur George), was born on November 14, 1948,
In the summer of 1951, the health of King George VI entered into a serious decline, and Princess Elizabeth represented him at the Trooping the Colour and on various other state occasions. On October 7 she and her husband set out on a highly successful tour of Canada and Washington, D.C. After Christmas in England she and the duke set out in January 1952 for a tour of Australia and New Zealand, but en route, at Sagana, Kenya, news reached them of the king’s death on February 6, 1952. Elizabeth, now queen, at once flew back to England. The first three months of her reign, the period of full mourning for her father, were passed in comparative seclusion. But in the summer, after she had moved from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, she undertook the routine duties of the sovereign and carried out her first state opening of Parliament on November 4, 1952. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.
The modern monarch:
The queen seemed increasingly aware of the modern role of the monarchy, allowing, for example, the televising of the royal family’s domestic life in 1970 and condoning the formal dissolution of her sister’s marriage in 1978. In the 1990s, however, the royal family faced several challenges. The separation and later divorce (1996) of Charles and the immensely popular Diana further eroded support for the royal family, which was viewed by some as antiquated and unfeeling. The criticism intensified following Diana’s death in 1997, especially after Elizabeth initially refused to allow the national flag to fly at half-staff over Buckingham Palace. In line with her earlier attempts at modernizing the monarchy, the queen subsequently sought to present a less-stuffy and less-traditional image of the monarchy. These attempts In 2002 Elizabeth celebrated her 50th year on the throne. As part of her “Golden Jubilee,” events were held throughout the Commonwealth, including several days of festivities in London. Having dealt with several physical setbacks in recent years, Philip, who had been Elizabeth’s husband for more than seven decades, died in April 2021. On their 50th wedding anniversary, in 1997, Elizabeth had said of Philip, “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.” Because of social-distancing protocols brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the queen sat alone in a choir stall in St. George’s Chapel (in Windsor Castle) at Philip’s funeral. The widely disseminated images of her tragic isolation were heartbreaking but emblematic of the dignity and courage that she brought to her reign. In June 2022 Britain celebrated Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne with the “Platinum Jubilee,” a four-day national holiday that included the Trooping the Colour ceremony, a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a pop music concert at Buckingham Palace, and a pageant that employed street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival, and costume to honor the queen’s reign. Health issues limited Elizabeth’s involvementElizabeth was known to favor simplicity in court life and was also known to take a serious and informed interest in government business, aside from the traditional and ceremonial duties. Privately, she became a keen horsewoman; she kept racehorses, frequently attended races, and periodically visited the Kentucky stud farms in the United States. Her financial and property holdings made her one of the world’s richest women.
A mutual fund is a company that pools money from many investors and invests the money in securities such as stocks, bonds, and short-term debt. The combined holdings of the mutual fund are known as its portfolio. Investors buy shares in mutual funds.
Why do people buy mutual funds?
Mutual funds are a popular choice among investors because they generally offer the following features:
1. Professional Management -:The fund managers research for you. They select the securities and monitor the performance. 2. Diversification-: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Mutual funds typically invest in a range of companies and industries. This helps to lower your risk if one company fails. 3. Affordability -: Most mutual funds set a relatively low dollar amount for initial investment and subsequent purchases. 4. Liquidity -: Mutual fund investors can easily redeem their shares at any time, for the current net asset value (NAV) plus any redemption fees.
What types of mutual funds are there?
1. Money market funds-: Have relatively low risks. By law, they can invest only in certain high-quality, short-term investments issued by U.S. corporations, and federal, state, and local governments. 2. Bond funds-: Have higher risks than money market funds because they typically aim to produce higher returns. Because there are many different types of bonds, the risks and rewards of bond funds can vary dramatically. 3. Stock funds-: Invest in corporate stocks. Not all stock funds are the same. Some examples are: • Growth funds-: focus on stocks that may not pay a regular dividend but have the potential for above-average financial gains. • Income funds-: invest in stocks that pay regular dividends. • Index funds-: track a particular market index such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. • Sector funds-: specialize in a particular industry segment. 4. Target date funds -: Hold a mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments. Over time, the mix gradually shifts according to the fund’s strategy. Target date funds, sometimes known as lifecycle funds, are designed for individuals with particular retirement dates in mind.
What are the benefits and risks of mutual funds?
Mutual funds offer professional investment management and potential diversification. They also offer three ways to earn money:
1. Dividend Payments -: A fund may earn income from dividends on stock or interest on bonds. The fund then pays the shareholders nearly all the income, and fewer expenses. 2. Capital Gains Distributions -: The price of the securities in a fund may increase. When a fund sells a security that has increased in price, the fund has a capital gain. At the end of the year, the fund distributes these capital gains, minus any capital losses, to investors. 3. Increased NAV -: If the market value of a fund’s portfolio increases, after deducting expenses, then the value of the fund and its shares increases. The higher NAV reflects the higher value of your investment.
A fund’s past performance is not as important as you might think because past performance does not predict future returns. But past performance can tell you how volatile or stable a fund has been over a while. The more volatile the fund, the higher the investment risk.
How to buy and sell mutual funds:
Investors buy mutual fund shares from the fund itself or through a broker for the fund, rather than from other investors. The price that investors pay for the mutual fund is the fund’s per share net asset value plus any fees charged at the time of purchase, such as sales loads.
Mutual fund shares are “redeemable,” meaning investors can sell the shares back to the fund at any time. The fund usually must send you the payment within seven days.
Before buying shares in a mutual fund, read the prospectus carefully. The prospectus contains information about the mutual fund’s investment objectives, risks, performance, and expenses.
Avoiding fraud:
By law, each mutual fund is required to file a prospectus and regular shareholder reports with the SEC. Before you invest, be sure to read the prospectus and the required shareholder reports. Additionally, the investment portfolios of mutual funds are managed by separate entities known as “investment advisers” that are registered with the SEC. Always check that the investment adviser is registered before investing.
Are mutual funds safe?
Mutual funds are a safe investment if you understand them. Investors should not be worried about the short-term fluctuation in returns while investing in equity funds. You should choose the right mutual fund, which is in sync with your investment goals and invest with a long-term horizon.
Insurance is a means of protection from financial loss. It is a form of risk management, primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent or uncertain loss. An entity that provides insurance is known as an insurer, an insurance company, an insurance carrier, or an underwriter. an arrangement with a company in which you pay them regular amounts of money and they agree to pay the costs if, for example, you die or are ill, or if you lose or damage something.
Insurance is a contract in which an insurer indemnifies another against losses from specific contingencies or perils. It helps to protect the insured person or their family against financial loss. There are many types of insurance policies. Life, health, homeowners, and auto are the most common forms of insurance. insurance is a contract, represented by a policy, in which a policyholder receives financial protection or reimbursement against losses from an insurance company. The company pools clients’ risks to make payments more affordable for the insured.
Insurance policies are used to hedge against the risk of financial losses, both big and small, that may result from damage to the insured or their property or liability for damage or injury caused to a third party.
Key Takeways :
1. Insurance is a contract (policy) in which an insurer indemnifies another against losses from specific contingencies or perils.
2. There are many types of insurance policies. Life, health, homeowners, and auto are the most common forms of insurance.
3. The core components that make up most insurance policies are the deductible, policy limit, and premium.
How Insurance Works :
A multitude of different types of insurance policies is available, and virtually any individual or business can find an insurance company willing to insure them—for a price. The most common types of personal insurance policies are auto, health, homeowners, and life. Most individuals in the United States have at least one of these types of insurance, and car insurance is required by law. Businesses require special types of insurance policies that insure against specific types of risks faced by a particular business. For example, a fast-food restaurant needs a policy that covers damage or injury that occurs as a result of cooking with a deep fryer. An auto dealer is not subject to this type of risk but does require coverage for damage or injury that could occur during test drives. There are also insurance policies available for very specific needs, such as kidnap and ransom (K&R), medical malpractice, and professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance.
Insurance Policy Components:
A firm understanding of these concepts goes a long way in helping you choose the policy that best suits your needs. For instance, whole life insurance may or may not be the right type of life insurance for you. Three components of any type of insurance are crucial: premium, policy limit, and deductible.
1. Premium -: A policy’s premium is its price, typically expressed as a monthly cost. The premium is determined by the insurer based on your or your business’s risk profile, which may include creditworthiness.
2. Policy Limit -: The policy limit is the maximum amount that an insurer will pay under a policy for a covered loss. Maximums may be set per period (e.g., annual or policy term), per loss or injury, or over the life of the policy, also known as the lifetime maximum.
3. Deductible -: The deductible is a specific amount that the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurer pays a claim. Deductibles serve as deterrents to large volumes of small and insignificant claims.
Types of Insurance :
There are many different types of insurance. Let’s look at the most important.
1.Health Insurance -: Regarding health insurance, people who have chronic health issues or need regular medical attention should look for policies with lower deductibles. Though the annual premium is higher than a comparable policy with a higher deductible, less expensive access to medical care throughout the year may be worth the tradeoff.
2. Home Insurance -: Homeowners insurance (also known as home insurance) protects your home and possessions against damage or theft. Virtually all mortgage companies require borrowers to have insurance coverage for the full or fair value of a property (usually the purchase price) and won’t make a loan or finance a residential real estate transaction without proof of it.
3. Auto Insurance -: When you buy or lease a car, it’s important to protect that investment. Getting auto insurance can offer reassurance in case you’re involved in an accident or the vehicle is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a natural disaster. Instead of paying out of pocket for auto accidents, people pay annual premiums to an auto insurance company; the company then pays all or most of the costs associated with an auto accident or other vehicle damage.
4. Life Insurance -: Life insurance is a contract between an insurer and a policy owner. A life insurance policy guarantees that the insurer pays a sum of money to named beneficiaries when the insured dies in exchange for the premiums paid by the policyholder during their lifetime. Life insurance. life insurance provides for your family if you unexpectedly die. This is especially important if your family is dependent on your salary. Industry experts suggest a policy that pays out 10 times your yearly income. But not everyone can afford the cost. When estimating the amount of life insurance you need, factor in funeral expenses. Then calculate your family’s daily living expenses. These may include mortgage payments, outstanding loans, credit card debt, taxes, child care, and future college costs.
5. Travel Insurance -: Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs and losses associated with traveling. It is useful protection for those traveling domestically or abroad.
6. Long-Term Disability Coverage -: Long-term disability insurance is the type of insurance most of us think we will never need. Yet, according to statistics from the Social Security Administration, one in four workers entering the workforce will become disabled and will be unable to work before they reach the age of retirement. Often, even workers who have great health insurance, a nice nest egg, and a good life insurance policy don’t prepare for the day when they might not be able to work for weeks, months, or ever again. While health insurance pays for hospitalization and medical bills, you’re still left with all of the expenses that your paycheck had covered.
Is insurance an asset?
Depending on the type of life insurance policy and how it is used, permanent life insurance can be considered a financial asset because of its ability to build cash value or be converted into cash. Simply put, most permanent life insurance policies can build cash value over time.
Conclusion:
Insurance plans will help you pay for medical emergencies, hospitalization, contraction of any illnesses and treatment, and medical care required in the future. The financial loss to the family due to the unfortunate death of the sole earner can be covered by insurance plans.
LGBTQ is an acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Queer. Over the past decade, LGBT people have gained more and more tolerance and acceptance in India, especially in large cities.
LGBTQ people in India remain closeted, fearing discrimination from their families, who might see homosexuality as shameful. Discrimination is still present in rural areas, where LGBTQ people often face rejection from their families and forced opposite-sex marriages. People in the LGBTQ community are fighting for equal rights and acceptance. Trans people, especially, face a lot of difficulty in finding acceptance. People in the LGBTQ community are looked down upon all the time.
This is a major issue because discrimination against the LGBTQ community is highly prevalent. People’s prejudices lead them to think that LGBTQ people are odd and very different. Today, homosexuality and queer identities may be acceptable to more Indian youths than ever before but within the boundaries of families, homes, and schools, acceptance remains a constant struggle for LGBTQ people. I have heard of people coming out of the closet and declaring to their families that they are not the person their family expected them to be. Being L, G, B, T, or Q is not a ‘problem’, nor is it a ‘choice’ as such. LGBTQ individuals are merely individuals who have sexual preferences that differ from what would appear to be the ‘norm’, due to differing learned behaviors and, you know, having a personal perspective and mindset that differs from everyone else’s. Saying that it’s objectively wrong for people to have sexual preferences that differ from the norm is objectively wrong itself.
Transgender people in India are allowed to change their legal gender post-sex reassignment surgery under legislation passed in 2019 and have a constitutional right to register themselves under a third gender. Additionally, some states protect hijras, a traditional third-gender population in South Asia through housing programs, and offer welfare benefits, pension schemes, free operations in government hospitals as well as other programs designed to assist them. There are approximately 480,000 transgender people in India as per Census 2011. Article 15 of our Indian Constitution Article 15, 1949. 15. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, Sex, or place of birth.
In 2018, in the landmark decision of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized consensual homosexual intercourse by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and excluding consensual homosexual sex between adults from its ambit. Amidst strong political movements in favor of LGBTQ rights, people are more accepting of same-sex relationships, with around three out of four Indians supporting them according to an opinion poll. In the 2010s, LGBT people in India increasingly gained tolerance and acceptance, especially in large cities.
The backlash is the biggest concern at the moment. Homophobia is still one of the last acceptable forms of bigotry in some regions, and my hope is that that changes. Legally India has taken many steps in this area to identify the rights of LGBT community. Discrimination and the fear of discrimination is an important concern among the minorities at workplace.
If normal men and women have the right to live in this society with respect then why not a person who belongs to LGBTQ can live in this society with respect? It’s not about what our religion says it’s about what humanity says.
Feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism incorporates the position that society prioritizes the male point of view and that women are treated unjustly in these societies.
Who started Feminism ?
Mary Wollstonecraft is seen by many as a founder of feminism due to her 1792 book titled A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in which she argues for women’s education. Charles Fourier, a utopian socialist and French philosopher are credited with having coined the word “féminisme” in 1837.
The important aspect of feminism:
1. Feminism is defined as the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
2. The goal of feminism is to challenge the systemic inequalities women face daily.
3. Contrary to popular belief feminism has nothing to do with belittling men feminism does support sexism against either gender. Feminism works towards equality, not female superiority.
4. Feminists respect individual, informed choices and believe there shouldn’t be a double standard in judging a person. Everyone has the right to sexual autonomy and the ability to make decisions about when, how, and with whom to conduct their sexual life.
5. There isn’t just one type of feminism, there are a variety of feminist groups including girlie feminists, third-wave feminists, pro-sex feminists, and so on. All these groups aim to deal with different types of discrimination women, and sometimes men, face.
6. Women earn 78 cents for every dollar a man makes.
7. Only 17% of the seats in Congress are held by women.
8. Although 48% of law school graduates and 45% of law firm associates are female, women make up only 22% of federal-level and 26% of state-level judgeships.
9. Even in the 10 top paying jobs for women, females earn less than men; only one career, speech pathology, pays the same regardless of gender.
10. Despite previous attempts to ratify a UN treaty guaranteeing the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the U.S. refuses to support an international bill of rights for women signed by nearly every other nation on the planet.
11. What feminists want the world to know, or at least acknowledge is the different ways men and women are treated, and although there have been great strides towards equality, women and men are far from playing on the same field.
The First Wave of Feminism:
This first wave of feminism activism included mass demonstrations, the publishing of newspapers, organized debates, and the establishment of international women’s organizations. At around the same time, women became more active in communist, socialist and social democratic parties because increasing numbers of women began to work outside the home in factories and offices. Women were first allowed to go to university in the early 20th century, having both a career and a family. In certain countries, when fascist parties gained power the feminist movement was banned. Women started organizing again after the end of the Second World War, and they soon gained equal political rights in most European countries, with women’s emancipation becoming an important aim and most women being allowed to take on full-time jobs, divorce their husbands and go to university.
The Second Wave of Feminism:
The second wave of feminism aimed to achieve ‘women’s liberation, different groups had different ideas about how this should be done. Liberal feminists wanted better equality laws and reform of institutions such as schools, churches, and the media. Radical feminists argued that the root cause of women’s inequality is patriarchy: men, as a group, oppress women. They also focused on violence against women by men and started to talk about violence in the family, and rape. Socialist feminists argued that it is a combination of patriarchy and capitalism that causes women’s oppression. The second wave of feminism also resulted in new areas of science: women’s studies became a discipline to be studied at university, and books began to be published about women’s achievements in literature, music, and science and recording women’s previously unwritten history.
The women’s movement played an important role in the drafting of international documents about women’s rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979).
The Third Wave of Feminism:
The third wave of feminism mainly refers to the American movement in the 1990s, and was a reaction to the backlash of conservative media and politicians announcing the end of feminism or referring to ‘post-feminism’.t the third wave of feminism can be characterized by increased awareness of overlapping categories, such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation. More emphasis was also placed on racial issues, including the status of women in other parts of the world (global feminism). This was also a moment when several feminist non-governmental organizations were established, but focused on specific feminist issues, rather than claiming to represent general feminist ideas. Third-wave feminism actively uses media and pop culture to promote its ideas and to run activities, for example by publishing blogs or e-zines. It focuses on bringing feminism closer to people’s daily lives. The main issues that third-wave feminists are concerned about include: sexual harassment, domestic violence, the pay gap between men and women, eating disorders and body image, sexual and reproductive rights, honor crimes, and female genital mutilation.
The Fourth Wave of Feminism:
The term cyberfeminism is used to describe the work of feminists interested in theorizing, critiquing, and making use of the Internet, cyberspace, and new media technologies in general. The term and movement grew out of ‘third-wave’ feminism. Cyberfeminism is considered to be a predecessor of ‘networked feminism’, which refers generally to feminism on the Internet: for example, mobilizing people to take action against sexism, misogyny, or gender-based violence against women. One example is the online movement #metoo in 2017, which was a response on social networks from women all over the world to the case of Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood producer who was accused of sexually harassing female staff in the movie industry.
Feminism can be seen as a movement to put an end to sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression and to achieve full gender equality in law and practice. The women’s movement is made up of women and men who work and fight to achieve gender equality and to improve the lives of women as a social group.
A fashion blog can cover many topics, such as specific items of clothing and accessories, beauty tips, trends in various apparel markets (haute couture, prêt-à-porter, etc.), celebrity fashion choices, and street fashion trends. Many fashion blogs could also be categorized as shopping blogs, similar to the content of fashion magazines. Some retailers in the fashion industry have started blogs to promote their products. Some blogs focus more on fashion advice, featuring how-to articles for the lay reader. Articles discuss clothing fit, the matching and complementing of colors, and other information on clothes wearing and care, along with prescriptive advice on adhering to basic standards and recent trends.
History:
Fashion blogs first appeared in the blogosphere before 2002. Both the number of fashion blogs and the number of media mentions of fashion blogs have grown considerably since then. Published accounts of the growing number of fashion blogs are mentioned above, and a Facteva search reveals that media articles mentioning “fashion blogs” grew from one in 2002 to over 100 in 2006. In 2006, the commercial success and growing profile of fashion bloggers were the two main themes in the coverage of fashion blogs. In 2009, CNN wrote about a blogger, Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, who went from a small website to the runway for a popular label.
Impact on Fashion Industry:
Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry that has a considerable impact on the way ordinary people dress and present themselves and relies heavily on media and advertising to communicate the producer’s preferences and goals and influence public perception through various types of promotion; at the same time, fashion can be influenced by social change and counter-trends outside the producer, retailer or advertiser’s control. As fashion is driven by trends within and without the fashion industry, fashion blogs and other “new media” outside the control of traditional establishments represent a disruptive innovation to the social dynamics of mass media and fashion consumption in modern consumer society.
From the industry’s standpoint:
The New York Times “Style” section writer, Eric Wilson, did an extensive study on the impact of fashion bloggers on the fashion industry for one of his style columns. Wilson wrote that these bloggers have ascended ‘from the nosebleed seats to the front row’ in the past year and that the divide between the ‘high code’ editors with a professional opinion and the ‘amateur’ fashion bloggers is beginning to disintegrate.
From a reader’s standpoint:
A similar statement was said by Constance White, the style director for eBay and former fashion journalist, saying that the impact of the fashion blogosphere has allowed the whole population to take ownership of the fashion world, including people of all different races, genders, and social standings. Unlike fashion-focused magazines and television shows, fashion blogs can be updated more frequently, keeping up to date with the new and up-and-coming fashion trends.
From an advertising standpoint:
Many of these fashion blogs also serve as a source of advertisement for both designers and fashion retail stores. These advertisements have had a heavy influence on fashion designers of various standings, helping to give a name to small up-and-coming designers as well as bringing high-end designers back to life. Many of the top fashion bloggers are said to have received free samples of the designer pieces that they have mentioned in their blogs and some top fashion bloggers got paid for wearing and publishing a brand name product on their Instagram accounts.
Types of fashion blogs:
• By writer’s expertise:
Fashion blogs may be written by insiders, outsiders, or aspiring insiders. Insiders are people who work (or have previously worked) in the fashion industry or for the traditional fashion media. In addition, some fashion insiders write occasionally as guest bloggers on larger sites. For example, the fashion designer Nanette Lepore has contributed to Glam.com. Aspiring insiders are people who want to work in the fashion industry or media and believe their blog may provide a ‘back door entry into a mainstream fashion writing job.
• By ownership:
Fashion blogs may be owned either by individuals or by companies. The types of individuals running fashion blogs are listed above. The types of companies now running fashion blogs include large mainstream media organizations and fashion retailers. Condé Nast Publications is a mainstream media organization with fashion blogs. Fashion retailers with blogs include Bluefly, Queen of Suburbia, and Splendora.
Fashion blogs are increasingly becoming a part of the mainstream fashion press. Many big media organizations have started fashion blogs and the best fashion bloggers are now also being offered mainstream media positions. Fashion blogging is also now regarded as worthy of mainstream media coverage. The reference list below shows the very high caliber of media publications that have written about fashion blogs. These publications include the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, and the Sydney Morning Herald. Fashion blogging is rapidly becoming a highly profitable new media business, with a mixture of independent blogs and well-funded fashion blog networks competing to dominate the space.
At the touch of a screen, most people now get their news information online, especially from social media. Social media reaches a maximum audience. In a recent survey, 50 percent of internet users said that they get to know about the latest news via social media even before it is on a news station. Social media in reporting is that the news does not get spread fairly quickly. If information is correct then it can be an excellent way of getting the news.
Positive -:
1. The news on social is immediate, while traditional media, can be delayed due to press times
2. Social media is versatile (you can make changes or delete once published. Whereas traditional media, once published, is set in stone.
3. The accessibility of social networks across devices makes them easy to use on the go and one of the most convenient ways to read the news.
4. RVCJ media page that provides the latest news on Instagram
Negative -:
1. There is a fierce media competition 2. Social platforms have control over what news and information we see. Our social media friends have become “managing editors” deciding what we see. An article needs to be liked and shared multiple times before many see it in their feed. Therefore, social media friends have control over what news pieces we see and what we do not. 3. The authentic content is hard to come by now. In fact, fake news is actually more likely to spread than the truth. 4. Falsehood diffused significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth in all categories of information.
Conclusion -:
News happens fast now. Today’s story will be tomorrow’s forgotten story. It is easy to miss things now because of how quick stories can get turned around and shared. While having so much information at our fingertips is great, it is worth always checking sources and not taking headlines as truth. With social media as our new news managers, it is up to us to be the new fact checkers for media.
The super rich industrialists and financiers such as John D. Rockefeller, Andrew W. Mellon, Andrew Carnegie, Henry H. Rogers, J.P. Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt of the Vanderbilt family, and the prominent Astor family were labeled as “robber barons” by the common people.
A robber baron is a term used frequently in the 19th century during America’s Gilded Age to describe successful industrialists whose business practices were often considered ruthless or unethical. Robber baron is a term that is also sometimes attributed to any successful businessperson whose practices are considered unethical or unscrupulous. This behavior can include employee or environmental abuse, stock market manipulation, or deliberately restricting output to charge higher prices.
These practices included exerting control over natural resources, influencing high levels of government, paying subsistence wages, squashing competition by acquiring their competitors to create monopolies and raise prices, and schemes to sell stock at inflated prices to unsuspecting investors. The term combines the sense of criminal (“robber”) and illegitimate aristocracy (a baron is an illegitimate role in a republic). This monopoly was achieved in part by crushing rivals and systematically cheating Native Americans of fur pelts.
During 19th century the chief complaint that was capitalists were becoming monopolists. Fear over the robber barons and their monopoly practices increased public support for the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 (The Sherman Anti-Trust Act authorized the federal government to institute proceedings against trusts in order to dissolve them). Many so-called robber barons. became wealthy entrepreneurs through product innovation and business efficiency. Of the goods and services they provided, supply grew, and prices fell rapidly, greatly boosting Americans’ standards of living. This is the opposite of monopolistic behavior.
Some Of The Major Robber Barons -:
1. James Fisk, one Wall Street’s first great financiers, accumulated much of his fortune by fraudulent stock market practices. The venture brought them vast sums but led to a securities market panic that began on September 24, 1869, a day that was long remembered as Black Friday.
2. Leland Stanford became involved in Republican politics in California and was elected governor in 1861. With three colleagues, he formed the Pacific Association and used their combined assets to bribe congressmen and others with political influence in the country’s capital. In return, the association was provided 9 million acres (3.6 million hectares) and a $24 million loan financed by federal bonds.
3. John D. Rockefeller made his immense riches from monopolizing America’s oil industry. Conspiring with refinery owners, he helped found what became known as the Standard Oil monopoly. Those who stubbornly resisted were confronted with price wars. By 1890, the Rockefeller trust controlled approximately 90 percent of the petroleum production in the United States, a situation that led to the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act that same year.
4. J.P. Morgan who organized a number of major railroads and consolidated the United States Steel, International Harvester, and General Electric corporations
5. Andrew Carnegie who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century; shipping and railroad magnate
6. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Industralist
7. George Pullman the inventor of the Pullman sleeping car
8. Henry Clay Frick who helped build the world’s largest coke and steel operations.
Common criticisms of the early robber barons -:
Poor working conditions for employees, selfishness, and greed. Some robber barons including Robert Fulton, Edward K. Collins, and Leland Stanford earned their wealth through political entrepreneurship. Many wealthy railroad tycoons during the 1800s received privileged access and financing from the government via extensive use of lobbyists.
The major considerations of robber barons are – :
•While robber barons took advantage of their workers, they sometimes offered better working conditions than the norm of the day
•Some tycoons rank among the most noted philanthropists of all time. Rockefeller donated around 10% of every paycheck he ever earned.
•Railroad tycoon James J. Hill publicized and provided free education about crop diversification, and would transport immigrants at reduced rates if they promised to farm near his railroads.
Radio broadcasting began in India in 1922. The Government owned radio station All India Radio dominated broadcasting since 1936.
Broadcasting in India actually began about 13 years before AIR came into existence. In June 1923 the Radio Club of Bombay made the first ever broadcast in the country. This was followed by the setting up of the Calcutta Radio Club five months later. The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) came into being on July 23, 1927, only to face liquidation in less than three years.
In April 1930, the Indian Broadcasting Service, under the Department of Industries and Labour, commenced its operations on an experimental basis. Lionel Fielden was appointed the first Controller of Broadcasting in August 1935. In the following month Akashvani Mysore, a private radio station was set up. On June 8, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio.
The Central News Organisation (CNO) came into existence in August, 1937. In the same year, AIR came under the Department of Communications and four years later came under the Department of Information and Broadcasting. When India attained independence, there were six radio stations in India, at Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Tiruchirapalli and Lucknow. The following year, CNO was split up into two divisions, the News Services Division (NSD) and the External Services Division (ESD). In 1956 the name AKASHVANI was adopted for the National Broadcaster. The Vividh Bharati Service was launched in 1957 with popular film music as its main component
The phenomenal growth achieved by All India Radio has made it one of the largest media organisations in the world. With a network of 262 radio stations, AIR today is accessible to almost the entire population of the country and nearly 92% of the total area. A broadcasting giant, AIR today broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects catering to a vast spectrum of socio-economically and culturally diverse populace.
Programmes of the External Services Division are broadcast in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages reaching out to more than 100 countries. These external broadcasts aim to keep the overseas listeners informed about developments in the country and provide a rich fare of entertainment as well.
The News Services Division, of All India Radio broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours in about 90 Languages/Dialects in Home, Regional, External and DTH Services. 314 news headlines on hourly basis are also being mounted on FM mode from 41 AIR Stations. 44 Regional News Units originate 469 daily news bulletins in 75 languages. In addition to the daily news bulletins, the News Services Division also mounts number of news-based programmes on topical subjects from Delhi and its Regional News Units
AIR operates at present 18 FM stereo channels, called AIR FM Rainbow, targeting the urban audience in a refreshing style of presentation. Four more FM channels called, AIR FM Gold, broadcast composite news and entertainment programmes from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. With the FM wave sweeping the country, AIR is augmenting its Medium Wave transmission with additional FM transmitters at Regional stations.
In April 2020, as per a survey by AZ Research PPL, commissioned by the Association of Radio Operators for India (AORI) Radio listenership in India touched a peak of 51 million.
Does radio have a future?
The consoles, connected watches and TV’s that we use every day will be just another way in which radio stations can broadcast and increase their audience numbers. Since its creation, radio has continually evolved with the times
Why Radio is still popular?
Portable and Inexpensive: Radio is portable among many modes of communication. They can be used in cars, stores, and other places, which helps to reach the targeted audience. According to researchers, broadcast radio reaches 99% of the Indian population today.
The Government decision for transition to the digital mode of transmission, AIR is switching from analog to digital in a phased manner. The technology adopted is the Digital Radio Mondiale or DRM. With the target of complete digitization by 2017, the listeners can look forward to highly enhanced transmission quality in the near future.
A microphone is a device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic signals and scribes them to a recording medium or over a loudspeaker. Microphones enable many types of audio recording devices for purposes including communications of many kinds, as well as music vocals, speech and sound recording.
Types Of Microphone
There are three main types microphones based on construction -:
A microphone in which the sound waves cause a movable wire or coil to vibrate in a magnetic field and thus induce a current.
Key Advantages -:
1. Rugged and able to handle high sound pressure levels, like those delivered by a kick drum. 2. Provide good sound quality in all areas of microphone performance. 3. They do not require a power source to run 4. They are relatively cheap
Key disadvantages -:
Heavy microphone diaphragm and wire coil limits the movement of the assembly, which in turn restricts the frequency and transient response of the microphone Generally not as suitable as condenser microphones for recording instruments with higher frequencies and harmonics, such as a violin.
Dynamic microphones can be used for many applications, produce an excellent sound and are suitably rugged – great for traveling on the road. They are best avoided when recording high-frequency content on an important recording.
For reliable, everyday tasks you will not find a more multifaceted, trustworthy device than a good quality dynamic microphone.
Ribbon -:
A ribbon microphone, also known as a ribbon velocity microphone, is a type of microphone that uses a thin aluminum, duraluminum or nanofilm of electrically conductive ribbon placed between the poles of a magnet to produce a voltage by electromagnetic induction. Ribbon microphones are typically bidirectional, meaning that they pick up sounds equally well from either side of the microphone
Key Adavantages -:
1. Ribbon Microphones are very sensitive and accurate 2. Ribbon microphones have a very low noise 3. Ribbon microphones tend not to pick up lots of background noise 4. Ribbon microphones can be very expensive 5. Ribbon microphones are good to produce a thin and tinny sound
Key disadvantages -:
1. Ribbon microphones can be very large and heavy 2. Ribbon microphones are very sensitive to air movements 3. It is very difficult to achieve a tight polar pattern 4. The ribbon is fragile and susceptible to damage 5. Ribbon microphones are not as popular as dynamic microphones Ribbon microphones require more maintenance
Ribbon microphones are often described as the most natural-sounding microphones available, and for good reason: they condenser microphones that use a thin ribbon of aluminum foil to pick up sound (instead of a solid diaphragm).
Condenser/ Capacitor Microphones -:
A Condenser capsule is constructed similarly. It consists of a thin membrane in close proximity to a solid metal plate. The membrane or diaphragm, as it is often called, must be electrically conductive, at least on its surface. The most common material is gold-sputtered mylar, but some (mostly older) models employ an extremely thin metal foil.
When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it moves back and forth relative to the solid backplate. In other words, the distance between the two capacitor plates changes. As a result, the capacitance changes to the rhythm of the sound waves. Thus, converted sound into an electrical signal.
Key Adavantages -:
1. They have a Greater Dynamic Range than Ribbon or Dynamic Mics. 2. They Have a Better Frequency Response than Dynamic Mics. 3.They Have a Better Noise Floor than Dynamic or Ribbon Mics. 4. When Hit with Loud Transients, They Generally Sound Snappier than Dynamic or Ribbon Mics.
Key Disadvantages -:
1. The limited number of operating microphones at the same time and place. 2. The limited number of radio channels. Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory in a device. 3. Voice recognition system software is not as accurate as typing manually.
Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications.
Conclusion -:
Microphones are used everywhere, from stage performances, broadcasting, and even talking on the phone. The microphone is a transducer, a machine that changes one form energy to another form of energy. Microphones are an essential part of any audio recording system.
Television is the most powerful medium of mass communication that has ever existed. It has revolutionized our lives in many ways. Isn’t it a wonder that we can witness the events happening all over the world in the comfort of our drawing-room by merely switching on the Television? Today television has become an integral part of our lives. Television is a recent invention. Very few homes had television sets some fifty years ago. Also, till the 1990s Doordarshan was the only channel available to a vast majority of Indians.
Evolution Of Television-:
Today television has become an integral part of our lives. 1939, television broadcasts began in the United States also. Other countries began television broadcasting on a wide scale only by the 1950s. Second World War slowed down the rapid development of the new medium, but the post-war years made up for it. The limitations of the early camera forced the actors and anchors to work with impossibly hot lights. Imagine trying to read news with full makeup under a blazing light. The early television broadcasts were all black and white. The first successful program in color was transmitted by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in the USA in 1953. From being a “radio with pictures” it acquired a unique style of its own. As a result of this, this phase is often called the “golden age” of television.
Important dates -:
1. 1936 – British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) of Britain began the first television service in the world.
2. 1939 – Television broadcasts began in the US. The 1950s – Other countries began television broadcasting on a wide scale.
3. 1953 – The first successful program in color was transmitted by CBS in the USA.
1959- TELEVISION BEGAN IN INDIA ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS -:
The early programs on these experimental broadcasts were generally educational programs for school children and farmers. Several community television sets were set up in Delhi’s rural areas and schools around Delhi for the dissemination of these programs. By the 1970s, television centers were opened in other parts of the country also. In 1976, Doordarshan, which was All India Radio’s television arm until then became a separate department.
1976- DOORDARSHAN BECAME A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT INDEPENDENT OF ALL INDIA RADIO (AIR) -:
Several community television sets were distributed as a part of one of the important landmarks in the history of Indian television, the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE). It was conducted between August 1975 and July 1976. Under this program, the Indian government used the American satellite ATS-6 to broadcast educational programs to Indian villages. Six states were selected for this experiment and television sets were distributed in these states.
1975-1976 SATELLITE INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION EXPERIMENT (SITE) -:
SITE was an important step taken by India to use television for development. The programs were mainly produced by Doordarshan which was then a part of AIR. The telecasts happened twice a day, in the morning and evening. Other than agricultural information, health and family planning were the other important topics dealt with in these programs. Entertainment was also included in these telecasts in the form of dance, music, drama, folk, and rural art forms. A major milestone in the history of Indian television was the coverage of the Ninth Asian Games in 1982. In addition to the domestic transmission, Doordarshan was also providing content for the broadcasters of many other countries. After 1982, there was a huge increase in the live coverage of sports by Doordarshan. Doordarshan provided national coverage for the first time through the satellite INSAT 1A. Also, for the first time, the transmission was in color.
1982- DOORDARSHAN PROVIDED NATIONAL COVERAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME THROUGH THE SATELLITE INSAT 1A. -:
By 1983, the government-sanctioned a huge expansion of Doordarshan. Several new transmitters were set up throughout the country. Thus towards the end of the 80s around 75 percent of the population could be covered by the transmitters. Many of the programs of Doordarshan like Hum Log, Buniyaad, and Nukkad were immensely popular.
1983- GOVERNMENT SANCTIONS HUGE EXPANSION OF DOORDARSHAN -:
In 1997, Prasar Bharati, a statutory autonomous body was established. Doordarshan along with AIR was converted into government corporations under Prasar Bharati. The Prasar Bharati Corporation was established to serve as the public service broadcaster of the country which would achieve its objectives through AIR and DD. This was a step towards greater autonomy for Doordarshan and AIR. However, Prasar Bharati has not succeeded in shielding Doordarshan from government control.
1997- ESTABLISHMENT OF PRASAR BHARATI -:
About 90 percent of the Indian population can receive Doordarshan programs through its network. From its humble beginning as a part of All India Radio, Doordarshan has grown into a major television broadcaster with around 30 channels. These include Regional Language Satellite Channels, State Networks, International Channel, and All India Channels like DD National, DD News, DD Sports, DD Gyandarshan, DD Bharati, Loksabha Channel, and DD Urdu.
Conclusion -:
Television as a medium of visual communication offers immense possibilities to overcome the illiteracy barrier and assists in the process of modernization. It has a marked role to play in furthering the cause 2 of education and has a unique advantage over the media. While it provides words with pictures and sound effects like the movies, it scores over the latter by its high intimacy and reaches the largest number of people in the shortest possible time the visual in it has ii an edge over sound broadcasting. It can also deal with topical problems and present known persons who can provide solutions. People learn through the eye and remember things better. periodical surveys about the public reaction to television programs have indicated that most of the programs telecast are rather dull. There is a lot to be done in them. The plays particularly are uninspiring and badly directed.
Criticism against Indian television is that like the All India Radio, it is the mouthpiece of the Government and the ruling party. The News Bulletins in Hindi and English and the news and views programs are heavily colored in favor of the Government and the party in power. Achievements of the Government are highlighted while the weaknesses are ignored. There is hardly any program: which allows free, frank, and straightforward criticism of the Governmental policies and the ruling party politicians. Therefore, there has been a demand for All India Radio and Doordarshan to be turned into autonomous bodies with no control and interference by the Government.
Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological, and social function.
The most common type of Eating disorders are -:
1. Anorexia Nervosa -: Anorexia is characterized by a distorted body image, with an unwarranted fear of being overweight.
2. Bulimia Nervosa -: A serious eating disorder marked by bingeing, followed by methods to avoid weight gain.
3. Binge Eating – People with the binge-eating disorder frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel unable to stop eating.
Additional eating disorders include:
1. Avoidant/resistant food intake disorder (ARFID)
2. Diabulimia
3. Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED)
Physical Warning Signs of Eating Disorders -:
1. Dramatic or rapid weight loss
2. Compulsive or excessive exercise
3. Visiting the bathroom immediately after each meal
4. Loss of menses
5. Frequent stomach cramps or stomach pain
Emotional Warning Signs of Eating Disorders -:
1. Behavior changes (acting differently)
2. Isolation and withdrawing from others
3. Being less interested in daily activities
4. An increase in mood swings, irritability, or high anxiety
Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa -:
Anorexia is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by the following eating disorder symptoms and signs: an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight or shape. People with anorexia use extreme measures to control their weight, such as excessively restricting calories, over-exercising, and laxative or diet aid abuse.
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa -:
Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is typically characterized by episodes of bingeing on large portions of food and then voiding the food through purging, excessive exercise, or the use of diet pills or laxatives. Many people with bulimia also restrict their eating during the day, which often leads to more binge eating and purging.
Warning Signs of Binge Eating Disorder -:
People with binge eating disorder (BED) regularly eat too much food (binge) and feel a lack of control over their eating. Typically, they eat quickly or eat more food than intended, even when not hungry, or they may continue eating even long after they’re uncomfortably full. They may feel guilty, disgusted, or ashamed of their behavior and the amount of food eaten. Many times, they overeat in private. New bouts of bingeing usually occur at least once a week. Sufferers can be normal weight, overweight or obese.
Causes of Eating Disorder -:
1. Having a trauma history
2. Being pressured to look or act a certain way
3. Dealing with stringent sports performance requirements
4. Having high expectations for grades
5. Life transitions and developmental changes
6. Other challenging family dynamics
7. Perfectionism
8. Highly reactive to stress
9. High sensitivity
10. Low distress tolerance
11. Anxiety
Treatment for Eating Disorder -:
Nutritional Healing :
1. Develop a healthy relationship with food 2. Eat a variety of foods in a balanced way 3. Enjoy food in moderation
Family-based therapy is shown to improve eating disorder treatment outcomes increasing one’s chance of a full recovery. Family and caregiver support is especially critical for younger patients, but family involvement and family therapy are encouraged for all patients seeking help for eating disorders, including adults.
Medication :
In eating disorder treatment, medications may be prescribed to address physical health concerns and complications related to the eating disorder.
The history of the camera began even before the introduction of photography. Cameras evolved from the camera obscura through many generations of photographic technology – daguerreotypes, calotypes, dry plates, film – to the modern day with digital cameras and camera phones.
Camera obscura (Before the 17th century) -:
The forerunner to the photographic camera was the camera obscura. Camera obscura (Latin for “dark room”) is the natural optical phenomenon that occurs when an image of a scene on the other side of a screen (or for instance a wall) is projected through a small hole in that screen and forms an inverted image (left to right and upside down) on a surface opposite to the opening. The oldest known record of this principle is a description by the Han Chinese philosopher Mozi (c. 470 to c. 391 BC). Mozi correctly asserted that the camera obscura image is inverted because light travels in straight lines from its source. In the 11th century, Arab physicist Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) wrote very influential books about optics, including experiments with light through a small opening in a darkened room. It was wildly successful after debuting to the public in 1839 when both it and the calotype began introducing photography to the masses. Normally, having portraits taken was an activity exclusive to the upper classes. The cost and amount of time needed to produce such works were unreasonable for most working-class people. The speed of the camera, which only increased as time went on, made it possible for anybody to have quality portraits.
Early photographic camera (18th–19th centuries) -:
The development of the photographic camera, it had been known for hundreds of years that some substances, such as silver salts, darkened when exposed to sunlight.[9]: 4 In a series of experiments, published in 1727, the German scientist Johann Heinrich Schulze demonstrated that the darkening of the salts was due to light alone, and not influenced by heat or exposure to air.[10]: 7 The Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele showed in 1777 that silver chloride was especially susceptible to darkening from light exposure and that once darkened, it becomes insoluble in an ammonia solution.[10] The first person to use this chemistry to create images was Thomas Wedgwood.
The first permanent photograph of a camera image was made in 1825 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce using a sliding wooden box camera made by Charles and Vincent Chevalier in Paris.[10]: 9–11 Niépce had been experimenting with ways to fix the images of a camera obscura since 1816. The first photographic camera developed for commercial manufacture was a daguerreotype camera, built by Alphonse Giroux in 1839. Giroux signed a contract with Daguerre and Isidore Niépce to produce the cameras in France,[9]: 8–9 with each device and accessories costing 400 francs.[13]: 38 The camera was a double-box design, with a landscape lens fitted to the outer box, and a holder for the ground glass focusing screen and image plate on the inner box. By sliding the inner box, objects at various distances could be brought to as sharp a focus as desired. After a satisfactory image had been focused on the screen, the screen was replaced with a sensitized plate. A knurled wheel controlled a copper flap in front of the lens, which functioned as a shutter. The early daguerreotype cameras required long exposure times, which in 1839 could be from 5 to 30 minutes.
Within a decade of being introduced in America, 3 general forms of the camera were in popular use: the American- or chamfered-box camera, the Robert’s-type camera or “Boston box”, and the Lewis-type camera. The American-box camera had beveled edges at the front and rear, and an opening in the rear where the formed image could be viewed on the ground glass. The top of the camera had hinged doors for placing photographic plates. Inside there was one available slot for distant objects, and another slot in the back for close-ups. The lens was focused either by sliding or with a rack and pinion mechanism. The Robert’s-type cameras were similar to the American box, except for having a knob-fronted worm gear on the front of the camera, which moved the back box for focusing.
Early fixed images -:
The first partially successful photograph of a camera image was made in approximately 1816 by Nicéphore Niépce,[18][19] using a very small camera of his own making and a piece of paper coated with silver chloride, which darkened where it was exposed to light. His unhardened bitumen was then dissolved away. One of those photographs has survived.
Daguerreotypes and calotypes -:
After Niépce died in 1833, his partner Louis Daguerre continued to experiment and by 1837 had created the first practical photographic process, which he named the daguerreotype and publicly unveiled in 1839.[21] Daguerre treated a silver-plated sheet of copper with iodine vapor to give it a coating of light-sensitive silver iodide. After exposure to the camera, the image was developed by mercury vapor and fixed with a strong solution of ordinary salt (sodium chloride). Henry Fox Talbot perfected a different process, the calotype, in 1840. As commercialized, both processes used very simple cameras consisting of two nested boxes. The rear box had a removable ground glass screen and could slide in and out to adjust the focus. After focusing, the ground glass was replaced with a light-tight holder containing the sensitized plate or paper and the lens was capped.
Dry plates -:
Collodion dry plates had been available since 1857, thanks to the work of Désiré van Monckhoven, but it was not until the invention of the gelatin dry plate in 1871 by Richard Leach Maddox that the wet plate process could be rivaled in quality and speed. The 1878 discovery that heat-ripening a gelatin emulsion greatly increased its sensitivity finally made so-called “instantaneous” snapshot exposures practical.
The invention of photographic film -:
The use of photographic film was pioneered by George Eastman, who started manufacturing paper film in 1885 before switching to celluloid in 1888–1889. His first camera, which he called the “Kodak”, was first offered for sale in 1888. It was a very simple box camera with a fixed-focus lens and single shutter speed, which along with its relatively low price appealed to the average consumer.
35 mm -:
Some manufacturers started to use 35 mm film for still photography between 1905 and 1913. The first 35 mm cameras available to the public, and reaching significant numbers in sales were the Tourist Multiple, in 1913, and the Simplex, in 1914.
TLRs and SLRs -:
The first practical reflex camera was the Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex medium format TLR of 1928. Though both single- and twin-lens reflex cameras had been available for decades, they were too bulky to achieve much popularity. The Rolleiflex, however, was sufficiently compact to achieve widespread popularity and the medium-format TLR design became popular for both high- and low-end cameras.
Instant cameras -:
Polaroid Model 430, 1971
While conventional cameras were becoming more refined and sophisticated, an entirely new type of camera appeared on the market in 1948. This was the Polaroid Model 95, the world’s first viable instant-picture camera. Known as a Land Camera after its inventor, Edwin Land, the Model 95 used a patented chemical process to produce finished positive prints from the exposed negatives in under a minute.
Automation -:
The first camera to feature automatic exposure was the selenium light meter-equipped, fully automatic Super Kodak Six-20 pack of 1938, but its extremely high price (for the time) of $225 (equivalent to $4,331 in 2021)[23] kept it from achieving any degree of success.
Digital cameras -:
Digital cameras differ from their analog predecessors primarily in that they do not use film but capture and save photographs on digital memory cards or internal storage instead. Their low operating costs have relegated chemical cameras to niche markets.
Digital imaging technology -:
The first semiconductor image sensor was the CCD, invented by Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith at Bell Labs in 1969.[24] While researching MOS technology, they realized that an electric charge was the analogy of the magnetic bubble and that it could be stored on a tiny MOS capacitor.
Early digital camera prototypes -:
The concept of digitizing images on scanners, and the concept of digitizing video signals, predate the concept of making still pictures by digitizing signals from an array of discrete sensor elements. Early spy satellites used the extremely complex and expensive method of de-orbit and airborne retrieval of film canisters. Technology was pushed to skip these steps through the use of in-satellite development and electronic scanning of the film for direct transmission to the ground. The amount of film was still a major limitation, and this was overcome and greatly simplified by the push to develop an electronic image-capturing array that could be used instead of film.
Analog electronic cameras -:
Handheld electronic cameras, in the sense of a device meant to be carried and used as a handheld film camera, appeared in 1981 with the demonstration of the Sony Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera). This is not to be confused with the later cameras by Sony that also bore the Mavica name.
Early true digital cameras -:
In the late 1980s, the technology required to produce truly commercial digital cameras existed. The first true portable digital camera that recorded images as a computerized file was likely the Fuji DS-1P of 1988, which recorded to a 2 MB SRAM (static RAM) memory card that used a battery to keep the data in memory. This camera was never marketed to the public.
Digital SLRs (DSLRs) -:
Nikon was interested in digital photography since the mid-1980s. In 1986, while presenting to Photokina, Nikon introduced an operational prototype of the first SLR-type digital camera (Still Video Camera), manufactured by Panasonic.[48] The Nikon SVC was built around a sensor 2/3 ” charge-coupled device of 300,000 pixels. Storage media, a magnetic floppy inside the camera allows recording of 25 or 50 B&W images, depending on the definition.
Camera phones -:
The first commercial camera phone was the Kyocera Visual Phone VP-210, released in Japan in May 1999.[54] It was called a “mobile videophone” at the time,[55] and had a 110,000-pixel front-facing camera.[54] It stored up to 20 JPEG digital images, which could be sent over e-mail, or the phone could send up to two images per second over Japan’s Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) cellular network.
Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain in which the person has lost touch with reality, and has symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and bizarre beliefs. A person with schizophrenia has only one personality. The ‘split’ refers to the fact that their thinking, feeling, and behavior may not be consistent/congruent with one another (e.g., laughing while recollecting a sad story).
Schizophrenia sometimes can cause a person to behave violently, but not all with schizophrenia are violent. It is only a small minority of violent persons. Even these people are not violent all the time; they may become violent mostly when they are very ill. After a proper diagnosis and appropriate medication, a person with schizophrenia is no more or less violent than a person who does not have the disorder. Improved patients who are on treatment are no more dangerous than the general population.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia –:
The symptoms are classified into 5 types Behavioural, cognitive, mood, psychological, speech
1. Behavioural: social isolation, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, compulsive behavior, excitability, hostility, repetitive movements, self-harm, or lack of restraint
2. Cognitive: thought disorder, delusion, amnesia, belief that an ordinary event has a special and personal meaning, belief that thoughts aren’t one’s own, disorientation, mental confusion, slowness in activity, or false belief of superiority
3. Mood: anger, anxiety, apathy, feeling detached from self, general discontent, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, elevated mood, or inappropriate emotional response
4. Psychological: hallucination, paranoia, hearing voices, depression, fear, persecutory delusion, or religious delusion
5. Speech: circumstantial speech, incoherent speech, rapid and frenzied speaking, or speech disorder
• Also common: are fatigue, impaired motor coordination, lack of emotional response, or memory loss.
• Triggers may include:
• stress
• drug misuse
• chronic alcohol use
Causes of schizophrenia –:
1. Genetics
2. Structural changes in the brain
3. Chemical changes in the brain
4. Pregnancy or birth complications
5. Childhood trauma
6. Previous drug use
Can you prevent schizophrenia?
Researchers don’t completely understand what causes schizophrenia, there’s no sure way to prevent it. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with this disorder, following your treatment plan can reduce the likelihood of relapse or worsening symptoms.
Do People with schizophrenia need to be cared for in a hospital ?
Not all people with schizophrenia need to be hospitalized. The family can care for the person at home, by understanding the disorder and learning what kind of support the person needs, while diligently following the advice of the mental health professionals.
Is schizophrenia caused by bad parenting or abuse during childhood ?
Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting or abuse. The occurrence of schizophrenia is linked to the structure of the brain, and other risk factors: genetic, physical, emotional, and social. Adolescence is a period where some structural changes take place in the brain. One of the theories is that due to some faulty disruption that happens in the brain during adolescence, the teenager may be more vulnerable to developing the illness if other risk factors are also present.
When to seek help ?
If you believe you or a loved one is showing signs of schizophrenia, it’s important to seek immediate treatment. Keep these steps in mind as you seek help or encourage someone else to find help.
1. Remember that schizophrenia is a biological illness. Treating it is as important as treating any other illness. 2. Find a support system. Find a network you can rely on or help your loved one find one they can tap into for guidance. This includes friends, family, colleagues, and healthcare providers. 3. Check for support groups in your community. Your local hospital may host one, or they can help connect you to one. 4. Encourage continuing treatment. Therapy and medications help people lead productive and rewarding lives. You should encourage a loved one to continue treatment plans.
Treatment –:
Treatment includes medications and therapies –:
1. Medications – Antipsychotic and Anti-Tremor 2. Therapies – Support group, Rehabilitation, Cognitive therapy, Psychoeducation, Family therapy, Behaviour therapy, and Group psychotherapy
Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition. However, properly treating and managing your symptoms can help you live a fulfilling life. Recognizing strengths and abilities will help you to find activities and careers that interest you. Finding support among family, friends, and professionals can help you to reduce worsening symptoms and manage challenges.
Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that enables instant payments to anyone. Bitcoin was introduced in 2009. Bitcoin is based on an open-source protocol and is not issued by any central authority. It is an electronic currency created back in January 2009. It is known to be decentralized electronic cash that does not rely on banks. It is possible to send from one user to another on the bitcoin blockchain network without the necessity for mediators. It is primarily used for sending or receiving cash through the internet even to strangers. Bitcoin is also known to be a new type of cash. It is predicted to grow at a rapid pace over the years, along with its value. It is typically purchased as an investment by numerous industries and people.
The central government typically handles bitcoins without specific rules, unlike dollars and euros. It is not owned by a country, individual, or group. Therefore, it reduces the chances of corruption and inflation.
History -:
The origin of Bitcoin is unclear, as is who founded it. A person, or a group of people, who went by the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto are said to have conceptualized an accounting system in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
Uses -:
1. Originally, Bitcoin was intended to provide an alternative to fiat money and become a universally accepted medium of exchange directly between two involved parties.
2. Fiat money is a government-issued currency that is not backed by a commodity such as gold.
3. It gives central banks greater control over the economy because they can control how much money is printed.
4. Most modern paper currencies, such as the US dollar and Indian Rupee are fiat currencies
Acquiring Bitcoins -:
1. One can either mine a new Bitcoin if they have the computing capacity, purchase them via exchanges, or acquire them in over-the-counter, person-to-person transactions.
2. Miners are the people who validate a Bitcoin transaction and secure the network with their hardware.
3. The Bitcoin protocol is designed in such a way that new Bitcoins are created at a fixed rate.
4. No developer has the power to manipulate the system to increase its profits.
5. One unique aspect of Bitcoin is that only 21 million units will ever be created.
6. A Bitcoin exchange functions like a bank where a person buys and sells Bitcoins with traditional currency. Depending on the demand and supply, the price of a Bitcoin keeps fluctuating.
Bitcoin Regulation -:
The supply of bitcoins is regulated by software and the agreement of users of the system and cannot be manipulated by any government, bank, organization, or individual.Bitcoin was intended to come across as a global decentralised currency, any central authority regulating it would effectively defeat that purpose.It needs to be noted that multiple governments across the world are investing in developing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are digital versions of national currencies. The legitimacy of Bitcoins (or cryptocurrencies)
In India -: In the 2018-19 budget speech, the Finance Minister announced that the government does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender and will take all measures to eliminate their use in financing illegitimate activities or as a part of the payment system. In April 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified that entities regulated by it should not deal in virtual currencies or provide services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with or settling virtual currencies. However, the Supreme Court struck down the ban on the trading of virtual currencies (VC) in India, which was imposed by the RBI. The Supreme Court has held that cryptocurrencies are like commodities and hence they can not be banned.
Possible Reasons for the Rise in the Value of the Bitcoin -:
1. Increased acceptance during the pandemic.
2. Global legitimacy from large players like payments firm PayPal, and Indian lenders like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Yes Bank.
3. Some pension funds and insurance funds are investing in Bitcoins.
Bitcoin Transaction -:
Bitcoin address is built from the public key. It is very similar as compared to an email address, anyone can check up and provide bitcoins. The private key is known to be identical to that of an email password since it is possible to send bitcoins with the help of remote access only. That’s why it is essential to keep the private key confidential or hidden. To send bitcoins, it is required to verify to the network that you acquire the private key of that particular address without the private key being revealed. It can be done with a specific mathematics branch referred to as public-key cryptography. The identification of the user possessing bitcoins is known as a public key. The public access and the ID number are very alike. For an individual to send you bitcoins, they require your bitcoin address. It is known to be another version of the public key that can be typed and read effortlessly.
However, the security concern of bitcoin is increasing day by day across the world. Since digital wallets are used to store bitcoins, they might be targeted by hackers as their value increases.
In India, films are censored by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory censorship and classification body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Films should be certified by the board to be publicly exhibited it in India, including films shown on television.
History -:
Film censorship, the control of the content and presentation of a film, has been a part of the film industry for almost as long as it has been around. The activists of current society continue to broaden the First Amendment rights for the film industry allowing the art to be restricted to a certain limit.[24] Britain established film censorship in 1912 and the United States followed a decade later. Other early efforts of censoring the film industry include the Hays Code of 1922 and the Motion Picture Production Code of 1930.
The Film Fraternity – :
Films are considered a great medium of communication with people. With the development and progress of society and also with the progress in the field of science and technology, films have undergone a sea change and by adopting all the available technologies, have been able to reach the masses and are also significantly contributing to the social and cultural development of the country. In this way, the films are equated with the Press as Press is also considered a great medium of communication.
The Constitution-:
Article 19(1) of the Indian constitution ensures the right to freedom of speech and expression for all. Hence, this right is also applicable to moviemakers as well as writers. Article 19(2) specifies that freedom of expression should not threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation. Censor Board was established based on this principle.
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) -:
A motion film is certified by CBFC, the regulatory authority in India, under Sections 5A and B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. CBFC certifies and differentiates movies as ‘U (Unrestricted Public Exhibition)’, ‘U/A (Parental Guidance for children below the age of 12 years)’, A (Restricted to adults), and S (Restricted to any special class of persons).
NECESSITY OF CENSORSHIP -:
1. Influences the young -:
Nowadays, most movies have unrealistic scenes. Violent scenes that motivate young viewers to copy the tasks their heroes perform on screen may cost them their lives. movies that claim that the consumption of drugs is injurious to health are promoting the use of drugs as young minds grow curious to try them in real life. It is better if such scenes are censored. Children are also watching ‘A’ certified movies, filled with full of violence. The accessibility to movies has increased considerably. So there is a need to remove scenes of too much violence and vulgarity.
2. Tackles the unacceptable -:
If a part of a movie contains scenes or language that cannot be accepted by people of all religions, then there will be calls to ban the movie and a riot may break out. So, to avoid them, the government has set up a board that will censor those unacceptable parts. If there is no censorship, there are dangers that movies that hurt the sentiments of certain sections will be out in public. This can lead to violence and threatens public order.
3. Keeps children safe -:
Censoring certain parts of movies helps keep children away from hearing and seeing inappropriate things. Nowadays, children are addicted to watching TV. When a movie is shown on TV — and most movies are these days — children are exposed to it. Inappropriate scenes or a string of wrong words can teach them all the wrong things and have a bad influence. As a society, we have a responsibility to protect children from being exposed to dangerous content.
4. Maintains harmony -:
Scenes that make a travesty of history or create friction amongst people should be completely removed. The case of the movie, Padmaavat, which was released in January 2018, is the perfect example of the need of censoring movies to maintain communal harmony.
DISADVANTAGES OF CENSORSHIP -:
1. An art -:
The arts do not influence people’s thoughts and feelings, let alone their actions unless they connect with something already present in those people’s personalities or experiences. People choose what art they will look at, what movies they will watch, what games they will play, or what sites they will visit, because of who they already are. Cinema, like other art forms, is a medium for expression. Filmmakers translate their vision onto the big screen through months or years of hard work. Thus, to snip off portions that are undesirable in a movie is unfair.
2. Obstructs creativity -:
Censoring parts of movies obstructs their creative flow and nullifies the effect of the narrative. It is always up to us if we want to watch a movie or not. Censoring parts of it means breaking the million thoughts and ideas that go into building that movie. Documentaries, which are meant to expose truths, are also undergoing many cuts. Filmmakers spend a lot of money and time making movies. If parts of the movie are cut in the name of censorship, they will be discouraged to make more movies.
3. Essence lost-:
Be it a plot or sub-plot, every part of a movie is crucial. So, with a part missing, the entire essence of the movie is lost. It’s time to leave movies in the hands of the movie’s crew and not the certification board. People have the mental ability to decide what to watch and what not to watch. Government has no right to decide what people are allowed to watch.
Is censorship a necessary evil?
Censorship can be considered a necessary evil, but that doesn’t negate the freedom of speech and expression completely. The chief problem is that it seems that Censor Board doesn’t look into alternative options before banning a movie and fails to take into account a lot of mitigating factors involved in the making of the movies. While public interest needs to be protected, the private interest of the parties involved cutely be forgotten.
Loss of time and money :
Right from the script to music, to production and advertising, a lot of effort and money has gone into the movies which when banned enormously impacts the economic status of people involved, which in turn comes under the ambit of their fundamental right of livelihood. This repeated pattern of Board or Government banning or halting the release of movies, thereby consequently an appeal being filed to High Courts and Supreme Court where the ban is lifted is getting quite tedious.
Conclusion :
The Certification Board must take a balanced approach while reviewing movies and must take into account that the harmony between freedom of expression and a sense of security and peace in society is maintained. In a perfect world, censorship would not be necessary. Children wouldn’t be exposed to movies inappropriate for their age and every person would have the mental stability to recognize the boundary between movies and reality. But we don’t live in a perfect world – so while we can’t always monitor what our children watch, or predict what could inspire violent behavior, we can take steps to protect the unguarded things in society through classification and censorship.
YouTube Marketing is the practice of promoting businesses and products on YouTube’s platform, by uploading valuable videos on a company’s YouTube channel or using YouTube ads. more and more companies are including YouTube as part of their digital marketing strategy.
That’s partly because YouTube as a platform is growing insanely fast. But it’s also because the video is an extremely powerful medium.
The truth about youtube marketing -:
YouTube is an opportunity to get more traffic and customers. YouTube can be a very competitive place. This means you can’t just start uploading videos and expect to see results. Countless “big brands” have jumped into YouTube marketing head-first… with only a handful of views and subscribers to show for it.
The truth is, to succeed on YouTube, you need to have a winning strategy, the ability to create great videos, and the SEO know-how to optimize those videos around keywords and topics that people on YouTube care about.
Why youtube is considered a major market for advertising – :
1. YouTube is the 2nd most-visited website in the world.
2. 2 billion people log in to YouTube every month.
3. 68% of YouTube users state that videos help them make a “purchasing decision”.
4. The number of SMBs advertising on YouTube has doubled over the last 2 years.
What is the main goal of YouTube marketing?
One of your objectives for your YouTube marketing should be to help your customer find you. A catchy slogan or prominent company name throughout the video can keep you on people’s minds long after they’ve seen your message online. They can then do an online search and find you.
Objectives of Youtube marketing –:
YouTube videos should have clear objectives that align with your company goals. focus all of your efforts on gimmicks that will get the attention of viewers and help your video go viral, you may overlook the reason you market on YouTube to get more business. Make sure your attention-getting videos help you move toward your company objectives.
1. Reaching Your Target Customer -:
If your target demographic is women between the ages of 35 and 45, and your video catches on with teenagers, you may be popular, but you won’t be effective. Think about the kinds of images and messages that would appeal to your customer, and make it one of your objectives to use as many of those images as possible.
2. Making It Easy to Find You -:
One of your objectives for your YouTube marketing should be to help your customer find you. A catchy slogan or prominent company name throughout the video can keep you on people’s minds long after they’ve seen your message online. They can then do an online search and find you. You should include a link to your website, along with any other contact information, such as an email address, business address, or phone number. Don’t lose sight of your objective of helping customers contact you.
3. Establishing a Relationship -:
You should evaluate the relationship you want with your customers, and create a video that helps them feel you are one of them. You can convey a sense of trust, lightheartedness, sophistication, down-to-earth values, or even anger, to name a few relationship starters.
4. Keeping Your Product in Mind -:
Don’t get so involved with making an interesting video that you lose sight of your number-one objective: letting people know about your product or service. Feature your product prominently and clearly, so that viewers won’t have to wonder what you are marketing.
Importance of YouTube to Business -:
1. Advertising -: the largest video-sharing website on the Internet, according to NBC, YouTube also doubles as one of the largest video search engines in the world
2. Customer Communication -: YouTube provides an array of channels for businesses to communicate with customers and prospects.
3. Internal Communication -: YouTube provides a convenient and easy-to-use video hosting service, it can serve as an inexpensive way to post instructional videos, announcements, and other internal communications.
4. Complaints –: As a business owner, you should carefully monitor YouTube for customer feedback and complaints.
5. Considerations -: YouTube can offer numerous important benefits to businesses, but you should keep some considerations in mind when using this resource.
Advantages of YouTube Marketing –:
1. Heavy Traffic
2. Higher Visibility on Google
3. Build Your Email List on YouTube
4. Higher Conversion Rates
5. Multiple Video Types
6. Massive Media Library
Disadvantages of Youtube Marketing –:
1. Control
2. Targeting
3. Ad Bypass
4. Auctions
5. Sales Conversion
YouTube provides every business with an insane opportunity to get more traffic and customers. However, it is also a very competitive place as well. This means that you can’t just start uploading videos and expect to see results overnight. Many big businesses jump into YouTube marketing with no strategy – their lack of views and subscribers show for it. The truth is that to succeed on YouTube is not just about creating great videos. It’s knowing how to optimize those videos around keywords that people on YouTube are searching for.
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable process that helps in preserving water for future needs. Water scarcity is a major concern in today’s scenario. The process of rainwater harvesting is a good way to conserve water. Rainwater Harvesting is one of the most used methods to save water. It refers to storing rainwater for various uses. The notion behind rainwater harvesting is to not waste the rainwater and prevent it from running off. In other words, it is done to collect rainwater using simple mechanisms. It is usually collected at the place the rain falls from the ground or rooftops. Rainwater harvesting is an alternative to reduce the stress of public water supply sources. The recharge of rainwater to the ground in the coastal regions prevents seawater immersion into the freshwater. Finally, rainwater harvesting reduces water supply bills.
Rainwater Filtration -:
Rainwater can be harvested or purified in multiple ways. The catch area before harvesting must be cleaned thoroughly, and the pipelined must be flushed regularly. Initially, the water flow is diverted to wash or rinse the area. Rainwater contains contaminants or other waste materials that affect the quality of the water. Contaminants such as dust, Bird excreta, pollution, leaves, and sand particles can affect water quality.
Filtration removes contaminants and other impurities and purifies rainwater for drinking and other purposes. However, the harvested water must be treated and tested before consumption to ensure the right quality check. Industries use the practice of pre-filtration to ensure that the purified water is directed water to the tank. The pre-filtration measure is a vital step that the water supply system should not compromise in terms of water quality.
Some techniques of rainwater purification are solar sterilization, the use of chemicals like iodine or chlorine, or sediment filtration. However, harvested rainwater used for drinking purposes can be filtered through Reverse Osmosis (RO).
Favorable aspects of Rainwater Harvesting -:
Rainwater Harvesting positively affects underground water quality. It dilutes the number of nitrates, fluorides, and salinity of the underground water. It contains zero hardness and almost neutral pH, making it highly suitable for industries, homes, institutions, industries, and other commercial establishments. Rainwater Harvesting reduces water supply bills. It is an excellent method that solves the water shortage crisis and lessens the energy consumption in water disturbance. Rooftop Rainwater harvesting controls urban flooding. The recharge of rainwater to the ground in the coastal regions prevents seawater immersion into the freshwater. Rainwater harvesting is an alternative to reduce the stress of public water supply sources. Construction of deeper wells can damage the natural environment as well as upscale. Therefore, the source of rainwater is highly effective and dependable. Stored harvested rainwater can be used as an alternative to municipal water and used during the water crisis.
Rainwater harvesting can be done in a variety of methods, including -:
1. A watershed is a region where precipitation flows directly into a river or another reservoir.
2. There are two ways to keep water: on the roof or the ground.
3. Normally, rainwater is collected on the rooftops. The rainwater from the roof is usually collected in PVC pipes and stored in a sump (a deep pit dug into the earth) or a tank.
4. The water in the tank can then be used for home purposes after it has been filtered.
5. Rainwater collection also helps to restore natural aquifers.
The two types of rainwater harvesting -:
1. Surface runoff harvesting -:
In this method, rainwater flows away as surface runoff and can be stored for future use. Surface water can be stored by diverting the flow of small creeks and streams into reservoirs on the surface or underground. It can provide water for farming, cattle, and for general domestic use. Surface runoff harvesting is most suitable in urban areas.
Rooftop rainwater/storm runoff can be harvested in urban areas through:
• Recharge Pit
• Recharge Trench
• Tubewell
• Recharge Well
Groundwater recharge -:
Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to groundwater. Recharge is the primary method through which water enters an aquifer. The aquifer also serves as a distribution system. The surplus rainwater can then be used to recharge Grothe underwater aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.
3. Rainwater in rural areas can be harvested through -:
Although rainwater harvesting measure is deemed to be a desirable concept for the last few years, it is rarely implemented in rural India. Different regions of the country practiced a variety of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge methods. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India includes Madaras, Ahar Pynes, Surangas, Taankas, etc.
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting -:
1. Less cost.
2. Helps in reducing the water bill.
3. Decreases the water demand.
4. Reduces the need for imported water.
5. Promotes both water and energy conservation.
6. Improves the quality and quantity of groundwater.
7. Does not require a filtration system for landscape irrigation.
8. This technology is simple and easy to install and operate.
9. It reduces soil erosion, stormwater runoff, flooding, and pollution of surface water with fertilizers, pesticides, metals, and other sediments.
10. It is an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation with no chemicals, or dissolved salts, and is free from all minerals.
Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting-:
1. In addition to the great advantages, the rainwater harvesting system has a few disadvantages like unpredictable rainfall, unavailability of the proper storage system, etc.
2. Listed below are a few more disadvantages of the rainwater harvesting process.
3. Regular maintenance is required.
4. Requires some technical skills for installation.
5. Limited and no rainfall can limit the supply of rainwater.
6. If not installed correctly, it may attract mosquitoes and other waterborne diseases. 7. One of the significant drawbacks of the rainwater harvesting system is storage limits.
The world faces an increasingly critical need to address climate change, and the impact that water conservation has on a sustainable environment is undeniable. Groundwater is the primary source of freshwater that caters to the demand of the ever-growing domestic, agrarian, and industrial sectors of the country. Over the years, it has been observed that the necessity for the exploitation of groundwater resources for various everyday needs, like toileting, bathing, cleaning, agriculture, drinking water, industrial and ever-changing lifestyles with modernization is leading to tremendous water wastage. Harvesting and collecting rainwater is an adequate strategy that can be used to address the problem of water crisis globally. The use of a rainwater harvesting system provides excellent merits for every community. This simple water conservation method can be a boost to an incredible solution in areas where there is enough rainfall but not enough supply of groundwater. It will not only provide the most sustainable and efficient means of water management but also unlock the vista of several other economic activities leading to the Empowerment of people at the grass-root level.
For this, the Government should come out with an appropriate incentive structure and logistic assistance to make it a real success. Rainwater harvesting is something that thousands of families across the world should participate in rather than pinning hopes on the administration to fight the water crisis. This water conservation method is a simple and effective process with numerous benefits that can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks, and across the world. As we all know that charity begins at home, likewise, a contribution to society’s welfare must be initiated from one’s home.
The term “empathy” is used to describe a wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. The term “empathy” is used to describe a wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.
Contemporary researchers often differentiate between two types of empathy: “Affective empathy” refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others’ emotions; this can include mirroring what that person is feeling or just feeling stressed when we detect another’s fear or anxiety. “Cognitive empathy,” sometimes called “perspective taking,” refers to our ability to identify and understand other people’s emotions. Studies suggest that people with autism spectrum disorders have a hard time empathizing.
Empathy seems to have deep roots in our brains and bodies, and our evolutionary history. Elementary forms of empathy have been observed in our primate relatives, in dogs, and even in rats. Empathy has been associated with two different pathways in the brain, and scientists have speculated that some aspects of empathy can be traced to mirror neurons, cells in the brain that fire when we observe someone else act in much the same way that they would fire if we performed that action ourselves. Research has also uncovered evidence of a genetic basis for empathy, though studies suggest that people can enhance (or restrict) their natural empathic abilities.
Having empathy doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll want to help someone in need, though it’s often a vital first step toward compassionate action.
Empathy manifests in education as well as between teachers and students. Empathy becomes difficult when there are differences between people regarding culture, language, skin color, gender, and age. Empathy is considered a motivating factor for unselfish behavior. Lack of empathy is similar to antisocial behavior. Empathy develops deep roots in our brains, as our evolutionary history. Having empathy does not mean that a person is willing to help someone. It is an essential step toward compassionate action.
Empathy forms one of the most critical components of creating harmonious relationships. It reduces stress and enhances emotional awareness. People are well attuned to their feelings and emotions. Getting into someone’s head can be challenging at times. People tend to be empathetic when they listen to what others have to say. It makes an individual overwhelmed by tragic incidents. Empathy can make an individual concerned about the well-being of another individual.
Empathy helps to make an individual a better person. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, people can respond appropriately. Social connections build up as a result of empathy. It helps in both physical and psychological well-being. Empathizing with others helps to regulate a person’s own emotions. It helps an individual to manage his feelings even at times of great stress.
Empathy helps a person to engage themselves in helpful behaviors. Not everyone experiences empathy. Some people may be more naturally empathetic than others. How a person perceives another person can influence empathy to a great extent. Being empathetic toward others will help to understand others’ suffering and create harmony in the world.
Key aspects of empathy -:
1. In the absence of empathy, relationships remain shallow. 2. Empathy does not form a part of intuition; it is about understanding others. 3. Empathy is a learned behavior. 4. The capacity of being empathetic to another person depends on each individual. 5. Empathetic people tend to help others more. 6. Painkillers can reduce your capacity of being empathetic toward other people. 7. Anxiety and tension can influence empathy to a great extent. 8. An individual can heighten their empathy through meditation. 9. All humans are inclined toward empathizing with others in their pain and suffering. 10. A genetic defect can reduce an individual’s empathy.
Empathy can be learned and practiced. It is a vital aspect of our everyday lives. It enables an individual to show compassion. It helps to relate to other people, relatives, colleagues, and loved ones and helps to impact the world positively. Some people are born with empathy while some learn it and can increase or decrease it. It is a part of emotional intelligence, which can be taught to children at a very early stage. Children can be taught to be empathetic by sharing their things and not hurting others.
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come. It is normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but does not interfere with your everyday life. In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating. This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. For example, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home in extreme cases. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.
Symptoms of anxiety :
1. anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control
2. restlessness
3. trouble concentrating
4. difficulty falling asleep
5. fatigue
6. irritability
7. unexplained aches and pains.
What causes anxiety?
Medical experts are not sure of the actual cause. But a combination of factors likely plays a role. The causes of anxiety may include: 1. stress 2. other medical issues such as depression or diabetes 3. first-degree relatives with generalized anxiety disorder 4. environmental concerns, such as child abuse 5. substance use 6. situations such as surgery or occupational hazard. 7. In addition, researchers believe that it stems from the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and the storing and retrieval of emotional and fear-related memories.
Physical symptoms of anxiety :
When you experience symptoms of anxiety, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as:
Medical researchers say with each type of anxiety, there are different risk factors. But there are some general influences, including:
1. Personality traits. This includes shyness and nervousness in childhood. 2. Life history. This includes being exposed to negative or stressful life events. 3. Genetics. Of those who have a diagnosis of anxiety, percent trusted to have a first-degree relative who also has a diagnosis of anxiety. 4. Other health conditions. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can make you prone to anxiety. 5. Stimulants. Consuming sources, specific substances, and medications can worsen your symptoms.
Are there treatments for anxiety :
Once you’ve received a diagnosis of anxiety, treatment can help you overcome the symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.
The treatment is categorized into three types :
• Psychotherapy. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. • Complemental health techniques. Mindfulness, yoga, and self-management strategies such as stress management are ways to treat your anxiety using alternative methods. • Medication. Doctors prescribe antianxiety and antidepressant drugs. • Session, with a therapist or psychologist, can help you learn tools to use and strategies to cope with stress when it occurs.
Some other commonly used medications include:
• Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are common SSRIs.
• Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Duloxetine and venlafaxine are common SNRIs.
• Antipsychotics. Quetiapine and aripiprazole are common antipsychotics.
• Benzodiazepines. Diazepam and clonazepam are common benzodiazepines.
• Anxiolytics. Buspirone is a common anxiolytic.
Natural remedies for anxiety are :
1. getting enough sleep
2. meditating
3. staying active and exercising
4. eating a healthy diet
5. avoiding alcohol
6. avoiding caffeine
7. quitting smoking cigarettes if you smoke.
Foods that can help you with anxiety :
• flax and chia seeds
• fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon
• turmeric
• vitamin D
• magnesium
• tryptophan
It’s important to understand that anxiety disorders can be treated, even in severe cases. Although anxiety usually doesn’t go away, you can learn to manage it and live a happy, healthy life.
Cultural pluralism is defined as the societal condition in which minority groups within a society can maintain their distinctive cultural identities, values, and practices if they are consistent with the laws and values of the wider society. Institutions and values that support cultural pluralism include political democracy, tolerance for uncertainty, prioritization of secular rational values, and openness to foreign cultures. societies with a demanding climate and high innovation performance, their citizens tend to support democracy, are more tolerant of uncertainty, prioritize secular-rational values, and take more leisure trips outside of their home country.
Significance of cultural pluralism -:
The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which saw the largest surge of immigrant arrivals in American history, an anti-immigrant backlash took the forms of nativism, xenophobia, and other expressions of prejudice. Criticism of the unfamiliar appearances and behaviours of the newly arrived people prompted discriminatory treatment of the new immigrants in education, employment, government programs, housing, and public accommodations. As a result, the advance of industrious and talented immigrants whose efforts could enhance American progress was held back. The concept of cultural pluralism is an alternative to the “melting pot” view that immigrants should assimilate to American culture by abandoning their own cultures, languages, and other traditions. Cultural pluralists insist that different ethnic groups have enriched the American way of life as immigrants and native-born citizens have learned from one another, thereby broadening their views on art, cuisine, education, history, music, and other aspects of life.
Positive Aspects of Cultural Pluralism -:
1. The cultural plurality system is that it is easily understood by voters, provides a quick decision, and is more convenient and less costly to operate than other methods.
2. The plurality method operates best under a two-party system.
Critique of cultural pluralism –:
1. Cultural pluralism has been attacked for justifying cultural separatism—that is, a transformation to a “nation of nations” like what is found in Switzerland or a segregated America of ethnically pure residential enclaves.
2. The cultural pluralists assume that because ethnic traditions are static, they suppress individuality.
3. Cultural pluralists are attacked for a belief that ethnic identity is primary and thus more powerful than other identities. Some critics even see Kallen’s concept of cultural pluralism as rooted in Jewish ideology.
Cultural pluralism is distinct from multiculturalism, which lacks the requirement of a dominant culture. If the dominant culture is weakened, societies can easily pass from cultural pluralism into multiculturalism without any intentional steps being taken by that society. If communities function separately from each other or compete with one another, they are not considered culturally pluralistic. Pluralism is valuable because it provides individuals with alternative ways to live, promotes critical reflection on the culture within which one currently lives, and thus promotes change and growth within cultures generally.
Canada is a country that is often cited as an example of cultural pluralism. This is due in large part to the fact that Canada is home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups.
Cultural pluralism brings diversity as explained by, Cultural pluralists who insist that different ethnic groups have enriched the American way of life as immigrants and native-born citizens have learned from one another, thereby broadening their views on art, cuisine, education, history, music, and other aspects of life.
Cybercrime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, networked device, or network. cybercrimes are carried out to generate profit for the cybercriminals, some cybercrimes are carried out against computers or devices directly to damage or disable them. Others use computers or networks to spread malware, illegal information, images, or other materials. Some cybercrimes do both — i.e., target computers to infect them with a computer virus, which is then spread to other machines and, sometimes, entire networks. A primary effect of cybercrime is financial. Cybercrime can include many types of profit-driven criminal activity, including ransomware attacks, email and internet fraud, identity fraud, and attempts to steal financial accounts, credit cards, or other payment card information. Cybercriminals may target an individual’s private information or corporate data for theft and resale. As many workers settle into remote work routines due to the pandemic, cybercrimes are expected to grow in frequency in 2021, making it especially important to back up the data.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DDJ) divides cybercrime into three categories :
1. Crimes in which the computing device is the target
2. Crimes in which the computer is used as a weapon
3. Crimes in which the computer is used as an accessory to a crime
Cybercriminal activity may be carried out by individuals or groups with relatively little technical skill, or by highly organized global criminal groups that may include skilled developers and others with relevant expertise. Cybercriminals often choose to operate in countries with weak or non-existent cybercrime laws to further reduce the chances of detection and prosecution.
Types of Cybercrime -:
1. Cyberextortion: A crime involving an attack or threat of an attack coupled with a demand for money to stop the attack.
2. Crypto-jacking: An attack that uses scripts to mine cryptocurrencies within browsers without the user’s consent.
3. Identity Theft: An attack that occurs when an individual accesses a computer to glean a user’s personal information, which they then use to steal that person’s identity or access their valuable accounts, such as banking and credit cards.
4. Credit card Fraud: An attack occurs when hackers infiltrate retailers’ systems to get their customers’ credit card and/or banking information.
5. Cyber espionage: A crime involving a cyber-criminal who hacks into systems or networks to gain access to confidential information held by a government or other organization.
6. Software-Piracy: An attack that involves the unlawful copying, distribution, and use of software programs with the intention of commercial or personal use.
7. Ransomware attacks are similar, but the malware acts by encrypting or shutting down victim systems until a ransom is paid.
8. Phishing: The most common type of cybercrime as reported to the U.S. Internet Crime Complaint Centre was phishing and similar fraud.
9. Website Spoofing & IOT Hacking.
Cybercrime & Its Impact on Society – : On an individual level, a cyber-attack can lead to a variety of consequences, ranging from theft of personal information to extortion of money or loss of valuable data, such as family photos. Society and systems depend on critical infrastructures, such as power plants, hospitals, and financial services companies. The protection of these and other organizations is essential for the maintenance of our society and support of the relations between countries and international organizations.
How to prevent Cyber Crime –:
Backup all data, system, and considerations: This enables data stored earlier to assist businesses in recovering from an unplanned event.
• Enforce concrete security and keep it up to date: Choose a firewall with features that protect against malicious hackers, malware, and viruses. This enables businesses to identify and respond to threats more quickly.
• Never give out personal information to a stranger: They can use the information to commit fraud.
• Check security settings to prevent cybercrime: A cyber firewall checks your network settings to see if anyone has logged into your computer.
• Using antivirus software: Using antivirus software helps to recognize any threat or malware before it infects the computer system. Never use cracked software as it may impose the serious risk of data loss or malware attack.
• When visiting unauthorized websites, keep your information secure: Using phishing websites, information can easily bypass the data.
• Use virtual private networks (VPNs): VPNs enable us to hide our IP addresses.
• Restriction on access to your most valuable data: Make a folder, if possible, so that no one can see confidential documents.
Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. Fusion occurs when protons of hydrogen atoms violently collide in the sun’s core and fuse to create a helium atom. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.
The Process of Solar Energy –
This process, known as a PP (proton-proton) chain reaction, emits an enormous amount of energy. At its core, the sun fuses about 620 million metric tons of hydrogen every second. The PP chain reaction occurs in other stars that are about the size of our sun and provides them with continuous energy and heat. The temperature for these stars is around 4 million degrees on the Kelvin scale (about 4 million degrees Celsius, 7 million degrees Fahrenheit).
In stars that are about 1.3 times bigger than the sun, the CNO cycle drives the creation of energy. The CNO cycle also converts hydrogen to helium but relies on carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (C, N, and O) to do so. Currently, less than 2% of the sun’s energy is created by the CNO cycle.
Nuclear fusion by the PP chain reaction or CNO cycle releases tremendous amounts of energy in the form of waves and particles. Solar energy is constantly flowing away from the sun and throughout the solar system. Solar energy warms the Earth, causes wind and weather, and sustains plant and animal life.
The energy, heat, and light from the sun flow away in the form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
The electromagnetic spectrum exists as waves of different frequencies and wavelengths. The frequency of a wave represents how many times the wave repeats itself in a certain unit of time. Waves with very short wavelengths repeat themselves several times in a given unit of time, so they are high-frequency. In contrast, low-frequency waves have much longer wavelengths.
The vast majority of electromagnetic waves are invisible to us. The most high-frequency waves emitted by the sun are gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). The most harmful UV rays are almost completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere. Less potent UV rays travel through the atmosphere and can cause sunburn.
The sun also emits infrared radiation, whose waves are much lower frequency. Most heat from the sun arrives as infrared energy.
Sandwiched between infrared and UV is the visible spectrum, which contains all the colors we see on Earth. The color red has the longest wavelengths (closest to infrared), and violet (closest to UV) the shortest.
Natural Solar Energy
1. Greenhouse Effect
2. Photosynthesis
3. Fossil Fuels
• Harnessing solar Energy (The methods use either active solar energy or passive solar energy)
• Photovoltaics
• Concentrated solar energy
• Solar Architecture
Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy
1. Advantages • Solar energy is clean. After the solar technology equipment is constructed and put in place, solar energy does not need fuel to work. It also does not emit greenhouse gases or toxic materials. • There are locations where solar energy is practical. Homes and buildings in areas with high amounts of sunlight and low cloud cover have the opportunity to harness the sun’s abundant energy. • Solar energy complements other renewable sources of energy, such as wind or hydroelectric energy.
Homes or businesses that install successful solar panels can produce excess electricity. These homeowners or business owners can sell energy back to the electric provider, reducing or even eliminating power bills.
2. Disadvantages
• Solar energy equipment is also heavy. To retrofit or install solar panels on the roof of a building, the roof must be strong, large, and oriented toward the sun’s path.
• Both active and passive solar technology depends on factors that are out of our control, such as climate and cloud cover. Local areas must be studied to determine whether or not solar power would be effective in that area.
• Sunlight must be abundant and consistent for solar energy to be an efficient choice. In most places on Earth, sunlight’s variability makes it difficult to implement as the only source of energy.
A belief that races are the fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Ladino elites used racism to justify the displacement and enslavement of the indigenous population, and these beliefs, along with resentment created by the continued exploitation of indigenous land and labour, culminated in the Guatemalan Civil war (1960-1996). Racism is also called racialism.
(Racism)
After, Germany’s defeat in World War I, that country’s deeply ingrained anti-Semitism was successfully exploited by the Nazi Party, which seized power in 1933 and implemented policies of systematic discrimination, persecution, and eventual mass murder of Jews in Germany and the territories occupied by the country during World War II. In North America and apartheid-era South Africa, racism dictated that different races (chiefly blacks and whites) should be segregated from one another; that they should have their distinct communities and develop their institutions such as churches, schools, and hospitals; and that it was unnatural for members of different races to marry. Historically, those who openly professed or practiced racism held that members of low-status races should be limited to low-status jobs and members of the dominant race should have exclusive access to political power, economic resources, high-status jobs, and unrestricted civil rights. The lived experience of racism for members of low-status races includes acts of physical violence, daily insults, and frequent acts and verbal expressions of contempt and disrespect, all of which have profound effects on self-esteem and social relationships. Racism was at the heart of North American slavery and the colonization and empire-building activities of western Europeans, especially in the 18th century. In the 19th century, racism matured and spread around the world. In many countries, leaders began to think of the ethnic components of their societies, usually religious or language groups, in racial terms and to designate ‘higher and ‘lower races. The expressions and feelings of racial superiority that accompanied colonialism generated resentment and hostility from those who were colonized and exploited, feelings that continued even after independence. In the mid-20th century, many conflicts around the world have been interpreted in racial terms even though their origins were in the ethnic hostilities that have long characterized many human societies. By this time, many societies had begun to combat racism by raising awareness of racist beliefs, and practices by promoting human understanding in public policies, as does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, set forth by the United Nations in 1948. Despite constitutional and legal measures aimed at protecting the rights of racial minorities in the United States, the private beliefs and practices of many Americans remained racist, and some groups assumed lower status was often made a scapegoat. That tendency has persisted well into the 21st century.
(Racism)
Racism reflects an acceptance of the deepest forms and degrees of divisiveness and implies that differences between groups are so high that they cannot be transcended. Racism evokes hatred and distrust and preludes any attempt to understand its victims. Many societies have concluded racism is wrong, and social trends have moved away from racism. For many people, “race” is linked to physical differences among people, and such features as dark skin colour have been seen as markers of low status, some experts believe that racism may be difficult to eradicate. Indeed, minds cannot be changed by laws, but beliefs about human differences can and do change, as do all cultural elements.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Depression is not a weakness; you cannot simply “snap out “of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But we should not feel discouraged because most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Let us see know about the symptoms of depression –:
• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, in their hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt fixating on past failures or self-blame
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
People dealing with depression may occur only once during their life, people typically have multiple episodes, and during these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day which also affects their day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. Some people might even feel generally miserable without really knowing the exact reason.
• Depression in children and teens may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches, pains, being extremely sensitive, feeling misunderstood, anger, and poor performance. • Depression in symptoms in older adults may include memory, difficulties or personality changes, fatigue, and often wanting to stay at home, rather than go out to socialize or do new things.
Causes of depression –:
• Biological differences – People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain.
• Brain chemistry – Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression.
• Hormones – Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
• Inherited traits – Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. Research shows genes may be involved in causing depression.
Risk factors of depression –:
• Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic
• Traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death or loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or financial problems.
• History of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Serious or chronic illness, including cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or heart disease. Certain medications may also trigger depression such as some high blood pressure medications or sleeping pills.
Complications in depression – :
• Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes
• Pain or physical illness
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Anxiety, panic disorder, or social phobia
• Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems
• Social isolation
• Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, or suicide
• Self-mutation, such as cutting
• Premature death from medical conditions
Prevention of depression -:
There is no fixed way to prevent depression but these strategies may play a major role – • Take steps to control stress • Reach out to family and friends • Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem • Consider getting long–term treatment because it helps to prevent a relapse of symptoms.
Types of depressive disorders -:
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxious distress, Melancholy, Agitated (Major depression looks different in different people. So they are characterized into three types.)
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Psychotic disorder
• Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• ‘Situational ’Depression
• Atypical depression
• Clinical depression
Property frauds are majorly done in the form of mortgage frauds. Mortgage frauds in India are very common now. It is to a degree where it’s started to become a problem. Committing a mortgage fraud in India is very simple. Let’s first understand what is a mortgage? So, a mortgage is a loan approved by a bank for housing purposes. A mortgage loan is very common in India . A lot of people apply for mortgage loans. Because it’s so prevalent, there are a lot of mortgage frauds that have been taking place over the past few years.
A man named Rajiv rathee forged property documents to mortgage the same property with six different banks cheating them of a whopping 7 crore. One of the major reasons for the regular occurrence of mortgage fraud is an equitable mortgage. An equitable mortgage is a simple way of getting a mortgage loan. But one of the major drawbacks of an equitable mortgage is that it doesn’t have any public records. So any charges that are mentioned in the equitable mortgage cannot be seen by the public or the bank, unlike a registered mortgage.
Equitable mortgage is a major issue and should be looked into and rectified as soon as possible. Overvaluation of the property also leads to mortgage fraud. It is very simple to present an overvalued sum of the property to get a higher amount of loans. The banks should take measures to cross-check the valuation of the property. There are legal remedies in place to ensure that the bank recovers from the loss because of fraud. But there should be proper measures in place so that the fraud doesn’t happen in the first place.
The first thing that a bank can do is educate its staff. The staff should be able to understand the red flags of mortgage fraud so that they can identify them when they see one. The lender should always check the identity of the person. He should make sure all his identity documents match and are original. The lender should make sure to take the consent of all the joint holders of a property. The lender should cross-check every document and important details. A bank should be able to identify if a property is overvalued to commit fraud. These are some of the ways by which a bank can ensure that a mortgage fraud doesn’t happen.
China initiated trade relations with African countries way back in 1970. Their motive was primarily strategic, i.e., creating new allies and expanding its global influence against the west, mainly the United States. African countries are the perfect victims of China’s predatory lending policies. They are capital-poor and are desperate for an influx of investments to grow and compete with the Western world.
The goal of the African Continental Free Trade Area was to break away from its colonial routes and begin trading and competing with various countries from different continents. However, the most significant benefit of this FTA was reaped by Communist China and its crony-capitalist policies. China expands its network through this FTA through new loans, trade deals, and military support. Chinese companies are dominating transportation and infrastructural development projects in Africa. According to a McKinsey Africa report, about 50% of Africa’s engineering, procurement, and construction contracts were given to Chinese companies. Africa’s extractive economy depends on its natural resources, raw materials, and primary goods. Low production values and infrastructure gap in Africa force African countries to export these commodities to China to be converted into finished goods and imported back to Africa. China also lends money to African nations to create infrastructure and improve connectivity. African countries give China exclusive access to their resources, like mining rights in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to improve regional integration, increase international trade, and stimulate economic growth by connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe via land and sea. The BRI is often referred to as “debt trap diplomacy.” China appears to be giving emerging countries questionable loans for growth capital to strategically use the recipient country’s debt to China for economic, military, or political gain. The ownership swap of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port, in which China has forgiven Sri Lanka’s massive debt in exchange for a long-term lease of the port in 2017, is a well-known example of this.
Why Loans from China?
Using confidentiality clauses, China seems to be very secretive in its lending policies. It offers far less transparency compared to international lending agencies such as IMF. China must use more competitive interest rates compared to these organizations for African countries to so enthusiastically borrow from them.
What Might Happen in Case of Default?
As in the case of Kenya’s multi-billion dollar railway project and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, China seizes control over these assets, i.e., all the revenue generated from the operations of these projects is credited to China’s EXIM bank. There is no formal judicial process in case of loan default as it is in international organizations and other Western countries. The secret contracts enable the Chinese Exim Bank to control these assets.
Does China overlook human rights violations and labor exploitation when giving loans that other countries may not overlook? Is this ethical?
Most of Africa missed out on the industrial revolution. Therefore, the lack of capital accumulation and the lack of growth (as stated by various development economists such as Solow, Meade, and Robinson) has been the primary cause of the backwardness of most African economies. This has resulted in the backwardness of physical and human capital in education, skill, and health. China saw the potential to exploit cheap and abundant labor in Africa. More liberal Western countries lean towards protecting employees and safe working conditions. However, a country like China is ruthless when capitalizing on the low labor cost for procurement and activities.
The ethics dimension of the Africa-China relationship is always under question. It can be compared to how the Europeans ruthlessly colonized African, Asian, and Latin American countries and exploited their resources and manpower for their gains. There are both advantages and limitations to China’s lending policies toward Africa. On the upside, countries are moving towards a stage of economic development with capital accumulation and mobility. At the same time, on the downside, prosperity is still not very high due to exploitation.
Everyone wants to become prosperous fast, but is it possible? Should countries live within their means?
There is no congruence between the growth of Africa and that of the rest of the world. However, there is a fine line between growth, development, and prosperity. A country can grow economically, but it may not be developing. A country may be developing, but it may not be prosperous. African nations must keep in mind that improving prosperity is a gradual process. Upliftment is of the poor takes time. According to Gunnar Myrdal’s theory of Circular Causation, there is a backwash effect between China and Africa which means that savings are gradually being siphoned off from poor regions to richer ones.
In the 21st century, countries can’t live within their means. A state of complete autarky can not lift a nation from economic backwardness. A country needs investments and the accumulation of capital to grow. Citing another development economics theory, namely “The Big Push Theory” given by Rodenstein Rodan, a large amount of minimum investment is required to overcome development obstacles in an underdeveloped economy to set it on the path of development. This is where China plays a vital role. China brings in high amounts of investments to push African Economies towards the course of development. International Lending Agencies and Western Countries may be hesitant to invest a significant amount in such emerging countries.
How much leverage is acceptable?
China’s primary aim in Africa is to create allies. African nations risk losing control of their assets due to leverage. However, African countries don’t have many alternatives. Even they need to progress to meet their domestic consumption requirements and increase their international competency. That said, they can not keep increasing their debt just because there are no judicial ramifications. The only thing at stake is the control of assets, which Africans use daily to earn their bread. From Africa’s point of view, a high level of external debt to China is not wrong because of the conditions and clauses involved in their lending. The fact that 88% of Djibouti’s GDP stems from Chinese investments reflects that China has an overwhelming contribution to the economy of such nations. Such a high debt to GDP ratio is not sustainable for any country, and this should serve as an example to other African nations to keep a check on borrowings and the terms and conditions laid out in the contract of loans taken from Chinese institutions.
What sort of reforms and fiscal discipline are required for a strong economy?
Fiscal discipline necessitates governments maintaining fiscal positions compatible with macroeconomic stability and long-term growth. Excessive borrowing and debt buildup should be avoided for this reason. At the same time, authorities must be cautious when it comes to attaining resource allocation and distributional goals and smoothing out output fluctuations. Creating financial buffers is also necessary to respond to both unpleasant shocks and predictable fiscal pressures, such as those caused by high levels of population growth.
The track record of fiscal management in achieving these many goals has been uneven. Weak fiscal discipline, which reflects deficit and debt sustainability issues, has frequently jeopardized stability and growth and, in the worst situations, has resulted in economic and financial disasters. Furthermore, while output stability would necessitate countercyclical fiscal policy, governments tend to favor procyclical discretionary expenditure increases and tax cuts when the economy is performing well. While the countercyclical fiscal policy may be beneficial in “hard times,” urgent deficit and debt sustainability issues make such policy difficult, if not impossible. Procyclicality becomes a significant underlying factor of poor budgetary discipline in good times.
Budgetary discipline is required to maintain overall economic stability, reduce susceptibilities, and improve economic performance. If governments are to benefit from the opportunities provided by increasingly free trade and open capital markets to improve their long-term economic prospects, fiscal discipline is required. They must, however, decrease their exposure to market sentiment fluctuations and capital flow volatility to reduce the likelihood of debt crises.
How can the global community help small, vulnerable countries? Can some frameworks be put in place to control the predatory instincts of China?
For emerging countries, the current structure of international economic organizations has proven insufficient. A positive examination focused on equity, sustainability, and social prosperity is required. Essential international organizations must be reconfigured to reflect inclusion and representative coverage now that different leaders are at the table. Allowing the African Union to join an expanded Group of Twenty (G20) would act as a catalyst, reshaping global policy and allowing for a more inclusive and sustainable world. African and other countries must look for alternatives that would allow them to be independent, as Western and Chinese policy initiatives have shown that their operations do not benefit the host countries.
Concluding Remarks
The credit line extended to other emerging countries is predatory, not benevolent. To begin with, the contracts with the host countries are murky. Contracts frequently include stipulations ensuring that contracts for infrastructure projects are awarded to Chinese businesses and that the labor engaged in these projects is Chinese rather than local. These contracts ensure that a considerable portion of the money returns to China. As manufacturing possibilities decline in China, the country’s large labor force is repurposed and does not become a burden on the Chinese economy.
In many ways, the plan is comparable to what Imperial Britain achieved by establishing colonies, albeit more subtle and with minor tweaks as the CCP adapts it for the twenty-first century. While initially appealing to poorer countries, China’s offering to fund infrastructure projects frequently becomes a trap for them. The projects do not generate enough cash for the host countries to repay their debts to China. China collects its debt by seizing control of the host country’s essential infrastructure, giving it a long-term strategic advantage. These countries’ only hope is that China agrees to rework the contracts, which China typically refuses to do.
Indian society is known for its ability of tolerance and acceptance, and social cohesion making it unique in sustaining its culture. The importance of fraternity enshrined in the Preamble of the constitution makes it a duty of every citizen. Indian society is extensively diverse in cultural and regional aspects and it is pertinent that it is posited in each individual the realization of ideas and objectives in the Preamble concerning every other individual. India from ancient times has thrived to create a nationality that is neither governed by universalism nor by exclusivity to its interest groups. The multi-cultural conundrum is a salient feature of Indian society that has been a boon and a bane over the history of the country.
SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIA: • Multi-Ethnic Society • Multi-Lingual Society • Multi-Class Society • Patriarchal Society • Unity In Diversity • Tribes • Family • Kinship System • Balance between spiritualism and materialism • Balance between Individualism and collectivism • Co-existence of traditionalism and modernity
The multi-ethnic Indian society Multi-ethnicity is a major salient feature of Indian society. An ethnic group or ethnicity is a category of people who identify with each other, usually based on a common language or dialect, history, society, culture, or nation. A society with the co-existence of a wide variety of racial groups is a Multi-ethnic society. India is home to almost multiple racial profiles like Nordic, Dinaric, Proto-Australoid, Mongolian, etc. Multilingualism- salient feature of Indian society India is home to many native languages, and it is also common that people to speak and understand more than one language or dialect, which can entail the use of different scripts as well. India’s 2011 census documents that 121 languages are spoken as mother tongues, which is defined as the first lan¬guage a person learns and uses. Of these languages, the Constitution of India recognizes twenty-two of them as official or “scheduled” languages. Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution of India, titled the Eighth Schedule, recognize the following languages as official languages of the states of India: • Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Six languages also hold the title of classical languages (Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu), which are determined to have a history of recorded use for more than 1,500 years and a rich body of literature. Multi-religious society India is a cradle of world religions whose ancestors have preached and practiced almost all major religions of the world giving rise to worldly beliefs, practices, rites, rituals, ceremonies, and institutions. The co-existence of all the religions and variety of faiths has been a shining example of religious pluralism and tolerance. • The principle of secularism despite several conflicts and riots has been upheld by our citizens time and again. • Indian Constitution has rightly reflected the idea of multi religions. It states that “every citizen has a right to freely practice, preach, profess and propagate any religion or faith”. • A secular state has been defined as a “state in which all religions and citizens irrespective of their faith would be treated impartially”. • Apart from the major religions, several tribal religions are coexisting in Indian society. UNITY IN DIVERSITY: “Unity in Diversity” is a phrase implying unity among people with diverse cultural, religious, and other demographic differences. It denotes the sense of oneness and we-ness .In India, people of different religions have continued to respect the ideals and values of people of other religions, and hence, India has always stood up as an integrated nation ready to put its arms around everybody in this world.
DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENT: The environment can be defined as a sum total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects which influence human life. While all living or biotic elements are animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds, etc. The non-living or abiotic elements include water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air, etc. The environment offers resources for production which includes both renewable and non-renewable resources. The environment includes the sun, soil, water, and air, which are essential for human life. It sustains life by providing genetic and biodiversity. The environment enhances the quality of life.
DEFINITION OF POLLUTION: Pollution introduces us to the world of hazardous products. These hazardous materials are called Pollutants. Pollutants, such as volcanic ash, may be normal. Human activity such as garbage or runoff created by factories may also generate them. The quality of air, water and land are impaired by contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: Environmental pollution occurs when in due course of time, the environment is unable to absorb and neutralize toxic byproducts of human activities. Environmental Pollution is not a new phenomenon, yet it remains one of the greatest threats to the health and well-being of humanity and one of the major environmental causes of death and morbidity. In environmental pollution, pollutants originate from a source, are transported by air or water, and are dumped into the soil by human beings.
The long-term impacts of pollution are still being felt despite global attention to the issue. Day by day, our atmosphere is becoming more and more polluted due to anthropogenic activities. It is usually due to the pollutants released into the air, water, soil, etc., through many human activities. Types of Environmental Pollution Based on the part of the environment that is polluted, Pollution is of the following types: 1. Air Pollution 2. Water Pollution 3. Soil Pollution 4. Noise Pollution 5. Radioactive Pollution
AIR POLLUTION: Air Pollution occurs due to undesirable changes in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of air that exert harmful effects on all living beings. Harmful effects caused by air pollution depend on the Concentration of pollutants, Duration of exposure to the pollutants and Type of the organism it affects. Effects of Air Pollution: An increased risk of heart disease, wheezing, coughing, and respiratory problems and skin, nose, and throat irritation can be caused by high levels of air pollution. Air Pollution affects human health in different ways, Air pollution may also cause heart attacks, asthma, and other respiratory complications. Like humans, animals can also suffer from a variety of health problems because of air pollution, including birth defects, reproductive failure and diseases. Besides the impact on humans and livestock, air pollution causes a variety of environmental effects. Acid rain includes high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids that are formed by the burning of fossil fuels by the oxides and sulfur oxides released into the air. Acid rain kills trees and acidifies soils and bodies of water, making survival difficult for fishes and other marine organisms.
WATER POLLUTION: Water Pollution is defined as any undesirable change in physical, chemical, or biological properties of water that may affect living beings adversely. Due to human activities, ponds, rivers, oceans, and estuaries are getting polluted in several parts of the world. Effects of Water Pollution: The consequences of water pollution depend on where contaminants are dumped. Water pollution is a significant danger to humans, animals and marine life. Water sources near urbanized areas tend to be highly contaminated by the legal and illegal dumping of waste and chemicals by industrial facilities, health centres and individuals. The death of marine animals, which can destroy the whole food chain, is by far the greatest consequence of water contamination. In drinking water supplies, fertilizer contamination can cause toxic algae blooms that destroy fish and other aquatic animals. Direct exposure to this poisonous algae causes significant human health issues, including neurological symptoms, breathing problems and stomach and liver diseases. When disinfectants used to treat drinking water enter water contaminated with toxic algae and respond to the production of dioxins, a consequential problem is developed.
SOIL POLLUTION: Soil Pollution is the build-up of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease-causing agents in the soil, which have adverse effects on plant growth and animal health. Effects of Soil Pollution: For humans, plants, microorganisms and marine life, land and soil contamination have significant implications. Different skin problems, respiratory problems and even various types of cancers may result from polluted land and soil. These poisonous substances come into direct contact with the human body by eating fruits and vegetables grown in polluted soils, direct contact with the skin and breathing in air polluted by particles and dust.
NOISE POLLUTION: The unpleasant, discomfort-causing sound from any source is called noise. The sustained presence of harmful, unwanted, or annoying noise in the environment is called noise pollution. Any object that produces noise is a potential source of noise pollution. Examples are television and radio (when played at a loud volume), air coolers, automobiles, blaring loudspeakers, and air conditioners. Effects of Noise Pollution: Noise has a jarring effect on us. One should not underestimate the impact of noise pollution on people. Some of the harmful effects of noise pollution are Irritation and loss of concentration, Sleep disturbance and stress (which can lead to high blood pressure) and Ear damage and loss of hearing.
RADIO POLLUTION: It is the release of radioactive waves into the environment which are harmful for the environment. This is considered one of the most dangerous pollution because of its permanent effects. It can cause cancer, infertility due to exposure, congenital disabilities, and blindness. It can permanently change the soil, air, and water. It can even cause mutation in species which can propagate for ages.
Global Warming Definition: “Global warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature generally due to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFC’s, and other pollutants.”
The Earth is warming up, and humans are at least partially to blame. The causes, effects, and complexities of global warming are important to understand so that we can fight for the health of our planet. Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature. Though this warming trend has been going on for a long time, its pace has significantly increased in the last hundred years due to the burning of fossil fuels. As the human population has increased, so has the volume of fossil fuels burned. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and burning them causes what is known as the “greenhouse effect” in Earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is when the Sun’s rays penetrate the atmosphere, but when that heat is reflected off the surface cannot escape back into space. Gases produced by the burning of fossil fuels prevent the heat from leaving the atmosphere. These greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide. The excess heat in the atmosphere has caused the average global temperature to rise overtime, otherwise known as global warming.
Global warming has presented another issue called climate change. Sometimes these phrases are used interchangeably, however, they are different. Climate change refers to changes in weather patterns and growing seasons around the world. It also refers to sea level rise caused by the expansion of warmer seas and melting ice sheets and glaciers. Global warming causes climate change, which poses a serious threat to life on earth in the forms of widespread flooding and extreme weather. Scientists continue to study global warming and its impact on Earth.
What are Land Reforms? Land Reforms refer to the redistribution of Lands from the rich class to the poor class. It includes operations, leasing, regulations of ownership, sales, and the inheritance of Land since Land redistribution requires legal changes.
In an agrarian economy like India with massive inequalities of wealth and income, great scarcity and an unequal distribution of land, coupled with a large mass of people living below the poverty line, there are strong economic and political arguments for land reforms.Due to all these compelling reasons, Land reforms had received top priority by the governments at the time of independence. The Constitution of India left the adoption and implementation of the land reforms to the state governments. This has led to a lot of variations in the implementation of land reforms across states.
The pattern of agriculture is always irregular in India. In the pre-independence era, tenants, peasants, and small farmers suffered a lot due to the revenue systems of Mahalwari, Zamindari, ryotwari. One of the major reasons was the unequal distribution of land. Landholdings were concentrated in few hands. The majority of farmers were being exploited. The struggle of class between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat was not a new thing. After independence, it was pivotal and need of an hour to focus upon land distribution checks. Especially, it was the rural population that was facing the maximum hindrance in socio-economic development.India under the British Raj had witnessed a lot of such atrocious regulations that exploited the poor and helpless in many aspects. Among them, land ownership contributed significantly to preventing the socio-economic growth of the backward population.The government of independent India came up with acts and laws to establish equal rights and ownership of land, which now constitutes a crucial episode of India’s economy. In the following lesson, you will come across a detailed discourse on land reforms in India after independence and their importance. The instruments that are visualized for social justice are known as Land Reforms. Land Reforms refer to the redistribution of Lands from the rich class to the poor class. It includes operations, leasing, regulations of ownership, sales, and the inheritance of Land since Land redistribution requires legal changes. After independence in 1947, an inadequate agricultural output was apparent. In order to fix this situation, the Indian government took measures to alter existing regulations for a better outcome.
These acts formed agrarian reforms in India after independence. he Land Reforms in post-independent India had various components: • Abolition of Intermediaries: The first step taken by the Indian government under land reforms post-independence was passing the Zamindari Abolition Act. The abolition of the zamindari system was done that removed the layer of intermediaries who used to stand between the state and the cultivators. In many areas, superior rights were taken away from the zamindars and weakened their economic and political power. The primary reason of a backward agrarian economy was the presence of intermediate entities like, jagirdars and zamindar who primarily focussed on collecting sky-rocketing rents catering to their personal benefits, without paying attention to the disposition of farms and farmers. Abolition of such intermediaries not only improved conditions of farmers by establishing their direct connection with the government but also improved agricultural production.
• Regulation of Rents This was in direct response to the unimaginably high rents which were charged by intermediaries during British rule, which resulted in a never-ending cycle of poverty and misery for tenants. Indian government implemented these regulations to protect farmers and labourers from exploitation by placing a maximum limit on the rent that could be charged for land.
• Tenancy Reform: The tenancy Reform led to the introduction of regulation of rent, providing security tenure, and conferring ownership to the tenants. In the pre-independence period, the rent which was paid by the tenants was exorbitant producing 35% to 75% of gross throughout the country. The primary attempt of the Reform was either to regulate rents and give some security to the tenants or outlaw tenancy altogether. Legislations were passed in all states of the country to grant tenants with permanent ownership of lands and protection from unlawful evictions on expiry of the lease. This law protects tenants from having to vacate a property immediately after their tenure is over unless ordered by law. Even in that case, ownership can be regained by tenants with the excuse of personal cultivation.
• Ceilings on Landholdings- This Reform referred to the legal stipulation of maximum size after which no farm household or farmer can hold any Land. By the year 1961-62 the government of all states passed the Land ceiling acts and in order to bring uniformity across states, a totally new ceiling policy was evolved in 1971. This law was enacted to prevent the concentration of land ownership in a few hands. It placed an optimum limit on the total measure of land which an individual or a family can hold. Along with fixation of land ceilings, this rule enables the government to take ownership of the additional or extra amount of land, which in turn, is given to minor tillers or farmers with no land. With the help of these Reforms, the states were able to identify and take possession of Lands exceeding the ceiling limits from the households and redistribute them to the Landless families.
• Consolidation on Land Holdings- The term consolidation referred to the redistribution or reorganization of the fragmented Lands into one single plot. The trend of the fragmentation of Land increased because of the growing population and fewer work opportunities and this fragmentation made the personal supervision and the irrigation management tasks very difficult. Therefore, the act of Landholdings consolidation was introduced which states that if there are few plots of Lands of a farmer then those Lands were consolidated in one bigger piece which was done by the process of exchanging or purchasing.
A major problem of the agrarian structure of India is land fragmentation, which hinders large-scale farming and production. This problem was solved with this regulation which permitted farmers to consolidate minor fragments of land owned by them into a singular piece of land. This enabled tenants to carry out agricultural operations in a larger field, which could be done by exchanging land or purchasing additional pieces.
China initiated trade relations with African countries way back in 1970. Their motive was primarily strategic, i.e., creating new allies and expanding its global influence against the west, mainly the United States. African countries are the perfect victims of China’s predatory lending policies. They are capital-poor and are desperate for an influx of investments to grow and compete with the Western world.
The goal of the African Continental Free Trade Area was to break away from its colonial routes and begin trading and competing with various countries from different continents. However, the most significant benefit of this FTA was reaped by Communist China and its crony-capitalist policies. China expands its network through this FTA through new loans, trade deals, and military support. Chinese companies are dominating transportation and infrastructural development projects in Africa. According to a McKinsey Africa report, about 50% of Africa’s engineering, procurement, and construction contracts were given to Chinese companies. Africa’s extractive economy depends on its natural resources, raw materials, and primary goods. Low production values and infrastructure gap in Africa force African countries to export these commodities to China to be converted into finished goods and imported back to Africa. China also lends money to African nations to create infrastructure and improve connectivity. African countries give China exclusive access to their resources, like mining rights in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to improve regional integration, increase international trade, and stimulate economic growth by connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe via land and sea. The BRI is often referred to as “debt trap diplomacy.” China appears to be giving emerging countries questionable loans for growing capital to strategically use the recipient country’s debt to China for economic, military, or political gain. The ownership swap of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port, in which China has forgiven Sri Lanka’s massive debt in exchange for a long-term lease of the port in 2017, is a well-known example of this.
Why Loans from China?
Using confidentiality clauses, China seems to be very secretive in its lending policies. It offers far less transparency compared to international lending agencies such as IMF. China must use more competitive interest rates compared to these organizations for African countries to so enthusiastically borrow from them.
What Might Happen in Case of Default?
As in the case of Kenya’s multi-billion dollar railway project and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, China seizes control over these assets, i.e., all the revenue generated from the operations of these projects is credited to China’s EXIM bank. There is no formal judicial process in case of loan default as it is in international organizations and other Western countries. The secret contracts enable the Chinese Exim Bank to control these assets.
Does China overlook human rights violations and labor exploitation when giving loans that other countries may not overlook? Is this ethical?
Most of Africa missed out on the industrial revolution. Therefore, the lack of capital accumulation and the lack of growth (as stated by various development economists such as Solow, Meade, and Robinson) have been the primary cause of the backwardness of most African economies. This has resulted in the backwardness of physical and human capital in education, skill, and health. China saw the potential to exploit cheap and abundant labor in Africa. More liberal Western countries lean towards protecting employees and safe working conditions. However, a country like China is ruthless when capitalizing on the low labor cost for procurement and activities.
The ethics dimension of the Africa-China relationship is always under question. It can be compared to how the Europeans ruthlessly colonized African, Asian, and Latin American countries and exploited their resources and manpower for their gains. There are both advantages and limitations to China’s lending policies toward Africa. On the upside, countries are moving towards a stage of economic development with capital accumulation and mobility. At the same time, on the downside, prosperity is still not very high due to exploitation.
Everyone wants to become prosperous fast, but is it possible? Should countries live within their means?
There is no congruence between the growth of Africa and that of the rest of the world. However, there is a fine line between growth, development, and prosperity. A country can grow economically, but it may not be developing. A country may be developing, but it may not be prosperous. African nations must keep in mind that improving prosperity is a gradual process. Upliftment of the poor takes time. According to Gunnar Myrdal’s theory of Circular Causation, there is a backwash effect between China and Africa which means that savings are gradually being siphoned off from poor regions to richer ones.
In the 21st century, countries can’t live within their means. A state of complete autarky can not lift a nation from economic backwardness. A country needs investments and the accumulation of capital to grow. Citing another development economics theory, namely “The Big Push Theory” given by Rodenstein Rodan, a large amount of minimum investment is required to overcome development obstacles in an underdeveloped economy to set it on the path of development. This is where China plays a vital role. China brings in high amounts of investments to push African Economies towards the course of development. International Lending Agencies and Western Countries may be hesitant to invest a significant amount in such emerging countries.
How much leverage is acceptable?
China’s primary aim in Africa is to create allies. African nations risk losing control of their assets due to leverage. However, African countries don’t have many alternatives. Even they need to progress to meet their domestic consumption requirements and increase their international competency. That said, they can not keep increasing their debt just because there are no judicial ramifications. The only thing at stake is the control of assets, which Africans use daily to earn their bread. From Africa’s point of view, a high level of external debt to China is not wrong because of the conditions and clauses involved in their lending. The fact that 88% of Djibouti’s GDP stems from Chinese investments reflects that China has an overwhelming contribution to the economy of such nations. Such a high debt to GDP ratio is not sustainable for any country, and this should serve as an example to other African nations to keep a check on borrowings and the terms and conditions laid out in the contract of loans taken from Chinese institutions.
What sort of reforms and fiscal discipline are required for a strong economy?
Fiscal discipline necessitates governments maintaining fiscal positions compatible with macroeconomic stability and long-term growth. Excessive borrowing and debt buildup should be avoided for this reason. At the same time, authorities must be cautious when it comes to attaining resource allocation and distributional goals and smoothing out output fluctuations. Creating financial buffers is also necessary to respond to both unpleasant shocks and predictable fiscal pressures, such as those caused by high levels of population growth.
The track record of fiscal management in achieving these many goals has been uneven. Weak fiscal discipline, which reflects deficit and debt sustainability issues, has frequently jeopardized stability and growth and, in the worst situations, has resulted in economic and financial disasters. Furthermore, while output stability would necessitate countercyclical fiscal policy, governments tend to favor procyclical discretionary expenditure increases and tax cuts when the economy is performing well. While the countercyclical fiscal policy may be beneficial in “hard times,” urgent deficit and debt sustainability issues make such policy difficult, if not impossible. Procyclicality becomes a significant underlying factor of poor budgetary discipline in good times.
Budgetary discipline is required to maintain overall economic stability, reduce susceptibilities, and improve economic performance. If governments are to benefit from the opportunities provided by increasingly free trade and open capital markets to improve their long-term economic prospects, fiscal discipline is required. They must, however, decrease their exposure to market sentiment fluctuations and capital flow volatility to reduce the likelihood of debt crises.
How can the global community help small, vulnerable countries? Can some frameworks be put in place to control the predatory instincts of China?
For emerging countries, the current structure of international economic organizations has proven insufficient. A positive examination focused on equity, sustainability, and social prosperity is required. Essential international organizations must be reconfigured to reflect inclusion and representative coverage now that different leaders are at the table. Allowing the African Union to join an expanded Group of Twenty (G20) would act as a catalyst, reshaping global policy and allowing for a more inclusive and sustainable world. African and other countries must look for alternatives that would allow them to be independent, as Western and Chinese policy initiatives have shown that their operations do not benefit the host countries.
Concluding Remarks
The credit line extended to other emerging countries is predatory, not benevolent. To begin with, the contracts with the host countries are murky. Contracts frequently include stipulations ensuring that contracts for infrastructure projects are awarded to Chinese businesses and that the labor engaged in these projects is Chinese rather than local. These contracts ensure that a considerable portion of the money returns to China. As manufacturing possibilities decline in China, the country’s large labor force is repurposed and does not become a burden on the Chinese economy.
In many ways, the plan is comparable to what Imperial Britain achieved by establishing colonies, albeit more subtle and with minor tweaks as the CCP adapts it for the twenty-first century. While initially appealing to poorer countries, China’s offering to fund infrastructure projects frequently becomes a trap for them. The projects do not generate enough cash for the host countries to repay their debts to China. China collects its debt by seizing control of the host country’s essential infrastructure, giving it a long-term strategic advantage. These countries’ only hope is that China agrees to rework the contracts, which China typically refuses to do.
Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders in the world .Taj Mahal History has its own interesting story behind its inspiration and construction. The Taj Mahal is one of the best mausoleums of all times. It is a monument built with ivory-white marble located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture.
In the sixteenth century, the tomb was built by a Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (son of Mughal Emperor Jahangir), for his wife as a tribute to her after her demise. Shah Jahan, at the age of 14, married a Persian princess, Mumtaz Mahal. He had many wives but was intensely in love with Mumtaz and she too returned the same. Mumtaz was known for her mesmerizing beauty and grace. In 1632, unfortunately, after giving birth to their 14th child, a baby girl, Mumtaz Mahal passed away. The last wish to Shah Jahan was, he would not marry again and would build a palace (Mahal) as an essence of their infinite love. It was the same year when Shah Jahan started building the monument for his beloved wife. Further moving on in the history of Taj mahal its construction took many years. Several laborers, masons, artisans, in layers, painters, stone-cutters and calligraphers were called from not only different parts of the country but also from all over Asia and Iran. Around Twenty two thousand laborers worked extremely hard for making this white castle. Most of the white marble was brought from Rajasthan, India. The construction was completed in 1653 as mentioned in the Taj Mahal History. It is said that after the construction Shah Jahan had cut the hands of all the laborers so that they cannot make such a beautiful monument again. Shah Jahan had for sons, among whom was Auarangzeb. Shah Jahan wanted his eldest son to become his heir but Aurangzeb, in the greed of the thrown, overthrew and imprisoned Shah Jahan and had a conflict with his brothers for the sake of the thrown. Shah Jahan could not bear all this and died in 1666 as per the history records. Then, he was also buried alongside of Mumtaz Mahal under the dome of the palace. By the late 19th century, parts of the buildings had fallen badly into disrepair. During the time of the Indian rebellion of 1857, the Taj Mahal was defaced by British soldiers and government officials, who chiseled out precious stones and lapis lazuli from its walls.
At the end of the 19th century, British viceroy Lord Curzon ordered a massive restoration project, which was completed in 1908. He also commissioned the large lamp in the interior chamber, modeled after one in a Cairo mosque. During this time the garden was remodeled with British-style lawns that are still in place today.After Independence ,our government took measures to protect to protect the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is one of the wonders that brings proud due to its marvellous.
India is celebrating 75 years of independence under the banner of Azadi ki Mohotsav. We are enjoying ourselves, we are celebrating in a joyous mood but we did not get this Azadi / Independence easily. Many people sacrificed their lives, many were physically tortured and crippled, and also many women were assaulted. There are numerous cases of heinous crimes inflicted upon to Indians by the British Raj. Indians salute all of them and will continue generations after generations. It is also sad that in the school textbooks a few names and their family members’ names are highlighted as if for their sacrifice we have got independence. Here, I am presenting a case of a great freedom fighter who later on became a spiritual leader but was not widely known to many Indians (my observations). He is Sri Aurobindo earlier known as Aurobindo Ghosh.
Sri Aurobindo, the original name was Aurobindo Ghose, (Aurobindo also spelled Aravinda) was born on 15 August 1872, in Calcutta /Kolkata. “ Although his family was Bengali, his father believed British culture to be superior. He and his two elder siblings were sent to the English-speaking Loreto House boarding school in Darjeeling, in part to improve their language skills. Darjeeling was a center of Anglo-Indians in India and the school was run by Irish nuns” (wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Aurobindo). Later on, “he was sent to England for further schooling. He entered the University of Cambridge, where he became proficient in two classical and several modern European languages. After returning to India in 1892, he held various administrative and professorial posts in Baroda (Vadodara) and Calcutta (Kolkata). Turning to his native culture, he began the serious study of Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit” (britannica.com/biography/Sri-Aurobindo). After that slowly he became a revolutionary. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 led to a general outburst which helped the rise of the extremist party and the great nationalist movement. The British Government dealt with severe repressive measures against the ‘Swadeshi Agitation’. “In 1908, Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki attempted to kill Magistrate Kingsford, a judge known for handing down severe sentences against nationalists. However, the bomb thrown at his horse carriage missed its target and instead landed in another carriage and killed two British women, the wife, and daughter of barrister Pringle Kennedy. Aurobindo was also arrested for planning and overseeing the attack and imprisoned in solitary confinement in Alipore Jail. The trial of the Alipore Bomb Case lasted for a year, but eventually, he was acquitted on 6 May 1909. His defense counsel was Chittaranjan Das” (wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Aurobindo). Anyway, the British administration was after him for silly issues they were after him. In view of this, he finally decided to go to Pondicherry, now Puducherry, a French colony (until 1954). In Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo dedicated himself to his spiritual and philosophical activities. During this period, one French lady Mirra Alfassa popularly known as The Mother greatly supported him. “When the Sri Aurobindo Ashram was formed in November 1926, Sri Aurobindo entrusted its full material and spiritual charge to the Mother. Under her guidance, which continued for nearly fifty years, the Ashram grew into a large, many-faceted spiritual community” (sriaurobindoashram.org/mother). Before conclusion, a few paragraphs written by Sri Aurobindo himself, in 1934 are presented here.
“All beings are united in that One Self and Spirit but divided by a certain separability of consciousness, an ignorance of their true Self and Reality in the mind, life, and body. It is possible by a certain psychological discipline to remove this veil of separative consciousness and become aware of the true Self, the Divinity within us and all. Evolution is the method by which it liberates itself; consciousness appears in what seems to be inconscient, and once having appeared is self-impelled to grow higher and higher and at the same time to enlarge and develop towards greater and greater perfection. Life is the first step of this release of consciousness; the mind is the second; but the evolution does not finish with the mind, it awaits a release into something greater, a consciousness that is spiritual and supramental. The next step of the evolution must be towards the development of the Supermind and Spirit as the dominant power in the conscious being. Only then will the involved Divinity in things release itself entirely and it become possible for life to manifest perfection” (auroville.org/page/sri-aurobindos-teaching-and-spiritual-method).
On his (Sri Aurobindo) birthday on 15 August 2022, Pronam to yogi, seer, philosopher, poet, and Indian nationalist who propounded a philosophy of divine life on earth through spiritual evolution.
What is Data Breach? A data breach is a security violation, in which sensitive, protected or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. Other terms are unintentional information disclosure, data leak, information leakage, and data spill.
What is Security Breach? A security breach is any incident that results in unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks or devices. It results in information being accessed without authorization. Typically, it occurs when an intruder is able to bypass security mechanisms.
SECURITY BREACH OF NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION(NASA): NASA has hacked in 1999 which made 21 days shut down of the computer which had direct connection with the satellites in space. It was hacked by 15 year old Jonathan James. He was the first person to carry out attack against American space agency. He hacked the computers by U.S. Department of Defense division’s computer and installed backdoor on its servers. He intercepted more than 1000 government emails including their username and password. This helped him to steal a piece of NASA software and crack the computers that support the International Space Station which cost space exploration agency $41,000. At first the NASA were not aware of their computers being hacked ,later few days they found their computers have been hacked which lead to the shut down of computers in NASA which leads to loss of million cost and arrested James.
The secret affinity for cocoa which you publicly call Chocolate lover.
Cocoa, the must-do element in our deserts is slowly becoming one of the crops in our country. You can see this in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. We can see cocoas cultivated as an intercrop for coconut because the coco tree sheds leaves that are converted naturally to organic manure and it helps in better yielding. The area under cocoa cultivation is under the supervision of many chocolate-producing companies, as contract farming areas. The cocoa is a small evergreen tree. The cocoa takes three years to yield. Then we can see it gives yields every three months in a year. After the process of fertilization, we can see the exocarp (outer layer) turning to green color. One week later, the exocarp ripens to a final yellow color indicating that it is ready for the harvesting process. Then, the plantation caretakers break the exocarp of cocoa which is a thick shell, and then remove the cocoa beans. You can see the cocoa beans covered fully with a white pulp so they make sure the beans are sundries as the white pulp drips out in the process. Later, they wash the cocoa beans thoroughly and then sundry beans for five days. Then, we can see the cocoa beans turning from pinkish to golden brown color. The caretakers store the cocoa beans away from sunlight. Then, every two months the respective company that signed the contract visits the plantation and collects the cocoa beans, and pays them accordingly to the market value. Currently, the market value of cocoa beans is rupees 170/per kg. The collectors later process the cocoa beans in the companies and the cocoa beans are granulated into powder-sized fine cocoa powder. Which we use for multiple purposes such as baking, cooking, and even pastry making.
Image Credits- Google
The plantation workers, collectors’ processors, and many other people involved in the process work hard and bring to us the cocoa powder and chocolate flavor that we all love. Cocoa is nutritious and is very easy to add to our diets. It helps maintain blood sugar and improves heart and brain health. It is rich in antioxidants and also promotes a healthy vision. It also has its demerits such as sleeplessness, increased urination, irritability, dehydration, nervousness, and has high-calorie count.
Cocoa also provides the raw material for the multi-billion global chocolate so the major chocolate-producing companies in India such as Amul, Hershey’s, and Cadbury encourage the coconut or areca nut plantation owners to grow the cocoa trees by giving free cocoa tr.ess and also providing the manure needed to the plants. The government also encourages providing subsidies to the farmers because it provides a livelihood for smallholder farmers. At last, cocoa powder, as well all know, is a must-have in any kitchen as it is very much loved by individuals of all age groups and is also a raw ingredient in many easy dishes such as chocolate custard, cake.
Image credits – google Image credits- Google Image credits – Google Image credits- Google
She had some dreams- enormous and small but someone tried to kill them all. That someone was no one else but she. For she never had the fortitude to set herself free.
Free from every fear that curtailed her to move ahead, free from the fear of the past, the present and the future, free from the opinions of outer community.
But soon she realised that she had wings to fly and the power to kiss the sky. So the dreams became alive again and she began to thrive In order for them all to survive.
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 have been topics of scientific, philosophical, and religious interest throughout recorded history. Dream interpretation was practiced by the Babylonians in the third millennium BCE and even earlier by the ancient Sumerians. .Dreams figure prominently in major world religions. The dream experience for early humans, according to one interpretation, gave rise to the notion of a human ‘soul’ as a central element in much religious thought.
Psychologist Calvin S. Hall considered dreams part of the cognition process or a type of thinking that happens as you sleep. Hall believed dreams could offer important insight into how you view yourself and others, your problems and conflicts, and the world in general. Many psychologists believed dreams played an important role in cognitive processes including memory and emotion regulation. Domhoff also noted that, although dreams may shed some light on heavy concerns, they might not have any real purpose, because he stated normally human beings forget most of their dreams. William Dement, who helped found the field of sleep medicine, suggested that, while dreams may lack a clear purpose, they can still convey meaningful messages.
Image credits – Google
Many experts do not believe dreams have much meaning but believe they still serve a purpose. The existing theories outline a few of these purposes.
1. Threat simulation theory
2. Activation-Synthesis theory
3. Dreams as emotional regulation
4. Continual-activation theory
Psychotherapist, Eliza Boquin, states “For vivid dreamers, our body can often experience what is happening in the dream.”
Certified dream analyst and speaker Lauri Loewenberg says while you are sleeping your brain is conjuring up around five dreams per night. That is a lot of subconscious thoughts to unpack. And although every dream is unique, they do tend to follow certain symbolic patterns.
How to examine your own dreams -:
1. Make sure you are getting proper sleep –: Research says that if we get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours) each night. This may, in turn, boost dream recall.
2. Review the dream –: when you wake up from the dream, lie calmly and analyze the visions, emotions, people, and places and mainly pay attention to small details because it would play a significant role in examining the dream.
3. Write it down –: Have a journal and start writing what all you saw the colors and visions, also your moods and feelings.
4. Make connections to your own life -: connecting these facts to your everyday life, would connect to your past life experiences and in some cases might even show some glimpses of your future. There are also many dreams interpretation books that you can interpret and gain more insights into.
Dreaming and sleep are intertwined. Dreams occur mainly in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep when brain activity is high and resembles that of being awake. No one knows for certain what purposes dream serve. But at the end of the day, their true function might not really matter. It depends on each individual If you find them meaningful, then they add value to you or do not concern you.
Introduction: One of the significant global threats to our health and food safety is air pollution. Air contamination kills around 3.7 million individuals all throughout the world and makes sufficient harm to crops. It is mainly caused by smoke and other harmful gases, fundamentally oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and furthermore sulphur. It is the presence of a substance in the environment that can make hurt human health and furthermore other living creatures on this planet. The sources for air pollution can be divided into two significant categories:
•Anthropogenic (human-made sources): are for the most part identified with the consumption of fuel. This may likewise incorporate little sources other than ignition like exhaust of paint, hair splash, and different solvents. Military assets, for example, atomic weapons additionally go under this kind of contamination.
•Natural sources: This might incorporate normal causes, for example, volcanic ejections and woodland fires likewise dust from huge spaces of land with little vegetation.
Ambient air pollution: An expected 4.2 million deaths each year are ascribed to ambient air pollution because of stroke, coronary illness, cellular breakdown in the lungs, and persistent respiratory infections. Around 91% of the total population lives in regions where air quality levels surpass WHO guidelines. While both developed and agricultural nations are influenced by fine particulate matter, low-and middle pay nations bear the biggest weight, with the best conceivable cost in the WHO West Pacific and South-East Asia regions. With investments in cleaner transportation, energy-proficient lodging, power generation, industry, and further developed municipal waste administration can altogether decrease ambient air pollution.
Household air pollution: Household air pollution is caused by the burning of household fuels, which causes indoor air contamination and adds to open air contamination. In 2016, 3.8 million deaths were reported because of indoor air pollution. Therefore, this risk factor is perhaps the main natural supporters of chronic weakness. The significance of household air pollution as a public health threat shifts extraordinarily relying upon the degree of advancement: in low-and centre pay nations, it is answerable for essentially 10% of death rates; around the world, it is liable for 7.7% of mortality.
● Contaminant emitting from power plants, refineries, and petrochemical plants, just as chemical and fertiliser industry, Industrial plants, lastly government incineration.
● Domestic cleaning exercises, cleaners, printing shops, and service stations are instances of indoor sources.
● Automobiles, vehicles, railroads, aviation routes, and different sorts of vehicles are instances of versatile sources.
● Finally, as mentioned earlier, normal sources incorporate actual fiascos like forest fires, volcanic erosion, dust storms, and agricultural burning.
Environment and health impacts of air pollution: Various contaminations are significant supporters of human sickness. Particulate Matter, particles with shifting yet tiny measurements, enter the respiratory system through breathing causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, fertility and central nervous system dysfunction, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone protects against ultraviolet radiation, it is unsafe at ground level, influencing the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Air pollution: A development issue
Effects on the economic development: In 2015, WHO estimated that the financial expense of unexpected passing and disability from air contamination in Europe is near USD 1.6 trillion. Air contamination influences the economy from various perspectives. It reduces individuals’ capacity to work and kills trillions of individuals consistently. Besides, it obliterates government properties like monuments which will influence the economy by decreasing the tourist destinations.
Effects on food Production: Food creation contributes recognizably to air contamination and the other way around. Air contamination impacts the dirt and lessens its capacity to the creation of good yields and as trade in agricultural products grows it increases the air contamination discharged from producer nations. This outcomes in an irregularity causing expanding pollution emission from producer countries rather than importing countries.
Measures are taken to eradicate air pollution:
By the government:
● Action Plans for Improvement of Air Quality: Under the central sector of control of pollution, (NCAP) ‘national clean air program’ was launched to address the country’s increasing air pollution problem.
● The government even informed a detailed action plan in the year 2018 for the prevention and control of air pollution in Delhi and the national capital region.
● In 2018, a graded response action plan was notified for again the prevention, control, and eradication of pollution in the national capital region. Which was divided into 4 main categories: moderate to poor, very poor, severe, and emergency.
To spread awareness:
● The SAMEER app, which provides public access to air quality information as well as the ability to file complaints about air pollution-causing activities, has been launched.
● The government also encourages people to spread awareness among the people and grow more trees, save water, electricity, maintenance vehicle for less smoke emission.
● Since 2019, central pollution control board teams have been placed to provide field feedback in Delhi and the national capital region.
How can we reduce air pollution?
● Conservation of energy.
● Look for the ‘energy star’ label while buying products.
● Using public transportation and carpooling can also help.
● Avoid using hair spray and other solvents.
● Avoid using an air conditioner.
● Recycle and reuse.
● Afforestation.
● Environment safe paints should be used more often.
● Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste do not burn it.
Shillong the capital of Meghalaya is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East, if one wants to see the natural charm of the North East then there are numerable places to visit in Shillong, the breathtaking greenery, swaying pine trees, cascading waterfalls, azure lakes, botanical gardens, and museums displaying the enriched culture of the Khasis, all make Shillong a perfect holiday destination. Although you can visit the place all through the year, the best time is considered between October to march.
5 Amazing reasons to consider Shillong you’re next holiday destination
1. Visit the mesmerizing waterfalls & lakes
umiam lake was initially established as a dam or a reservoir. It is quite popular among tourists and is a perfectly picturesque location to enjoy the stunning views. To the adventure activities that one can do here such as boating, kayaking, etc.
Meghalaya is the home to several beautiful cascading waterfalls. The Elephant waterfalls and the Bishop and Beadon waterfalls at Shillong are one of the most beautiful ones. On the outskirts of the city, is a gushing waterfall that looks like an eagle with its wings spread to Eagle Falls. You can even visit the nearby waterfalls such as The Seven Sister Falls, Dainthlein Falls, and Krang Suri.
Ward’s lake, locally known as pollock lake or Nan Polok, is an artificial lake in Shillong, Meghalaya, India.
2. Appetizing cafes and cuisines to warm you’re heart and enjoy the incredible Khasi folk tales and cultures
• Shillong has an array of appetizing cuisines starting from lip-smacking street food to mouth-watering Khasi dishes. Shillong also has some best and most wonderful cafes where you can have your coffee. Khasis was the worshipper of nature and almost anything related to nature has an interesting folk tale behind it. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants here offer delicious food.
• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous cultures provides a very comprehensive overview of the many tribes indigenous to North-East India.
• The police Bazar is the most colorful place in Shillong. It has modern shops as well as an array of traditional shops selling exquisite handicrafts from Meghalaya. You can also dress up in traditional Khasi costumes and click some pictures.
3. The Intriguing Living Root Bridges
• Once you are in the Shillong and are heading to places like Cherrapunjee or Mawlynnong, the scenic beauty of the roads is unmatched. Deep in the tropical forests of Meghalaya shrouded in rain and cloud, lies these root bridges. These are the roots of ancient rubber trees or Ficus Elastica that have been trained by the Khasi tribesmen to grow in a tangled mess, and then they were intertwined to form single and double-decker root bridges. Mawlynnong is considered to be Asia’s cleanest village.
4. Visit the laitlum canyons and The. Shillong peak
• The laitlum canyons are a delight to the eyes, at great heights, it is an edge of the hill surrounded by greenery all around. Our eyes will witness stretches of green all around and laters of rocky hills.
• Shillong peak is the highest point in Shillong at a height of 6449ft. you will get a panoramic view of the city from Shillong peak.
5.The ultimate experience of caving & visit the sacred groves
Meghalaya has the longest system of caves in the Jaintia Hills. The Mawsmai caves near Cherrapunjee consisting of amazing stalactites and stalagmites are quite a famous tourist spot. Arwah caves for a surreal experience.
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest lies around 25km from Shillong. This grove is nature’s museum with rare and amazing plants, orchids, flowering trees, and butterflies.
To reach Shillong the nearest airport and railway station is in Guwahati. Then you can hire a cab as it takes around 2-3 hours to reach there. Enjoy the mesmerizing art work created by mother nature itself.
The menstrual cycle is a part of your reproductive system. Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of your uterus. The menstrual blood which is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of your uterus flows from your uterus through your cervix and out of your body through your vagina.
It has been said that during those days the tradition started for a good reason as women go through heavy cramps, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), headaches, stomach aches, mood swings, etc. Women were being isolated from their family and given complete rest in a separate room, as time passed the traditions became aggressive and gave more stress associated with myths, or misconceptions and taboos to women than being supportive to them during their menstrual cycle. Women are not allowed to enter the temples, in many households’ girls are subjected to many superstitious practices such as; prohibition from entering the kitchen and prayer room, being made to stay in a separate room, being forced to eat in separate utensils, and in some houses, the girl is provided the left-over food. Not being allowed to touch certain kinds of food because they could get spoilt, and tagging the girl as impure and unclean. The stigma associated with a woman bleeding every month leads to poor hygiene among a large section of rural women who use wood husk, leaves, paper, and other such materials instead of sanitary napkins when on their periods. The temple in Assam ‘Maa Kamkhaya’ where the main deity is the uterus of a woman signifies the importance of reproduction and the menstrual cycle is completely natural. In India, some school girls were allegedly forced to remove their underwear to prove they were not menstruating. The girls also reported that they were barred from touching other students during their menstrual cycle.
These social stigmas isolate the girls from family and friends which increases their stress levels and impacts their mental health. As per the survey in India, only 48% of adolescent girls are aware of what menstruation is before getting their first period, which is unhygienic for their health due to a lack of proper sanitation facilities. Young people do not have access to reliable and correct information about their reproductive health and rights. The lack of acceptance and the taboo associated with it leads the girls to stay at home due to anxiety and embarrassment… An overall lack of scientific knowledge about menstruation also gives way to myths and misconceptions. During previous centuries, there were many rules followed due to some circumstances but following those rules in this period seems unreasonable.
Girls must be given proper menstruation knowledge before they get their first period because many girls do not have the knowledge about how their body works and provide free napkins to the government schools. The main development goals must include an equal opportunity for education for girls and boys and access to proper sanitation. The media creating public awareness regarding these issues would break the taboo prevailing in society. The movie ‘Pad Man’ starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte which speaks about the importance of women’s menstrual health is notable. To cross these barriers government, NGOs, corporate companies, and media and entertainment industries must collaborate and take advantage of each other’s capability and influence to achieve this vision.
The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra primarily consists of four major cities. Nagpur being the largest has a huge rural population which is deprived of stable sources of income and is riddled with social problems including alcoholism. The primary contributor to the alcoholism problem is the male population. Inadvertently, the women of the household have to take up the responsibility of earning the bread. In regions lacking educational infrastructure, women have to not only overcome sexism, misogyny and toxic masculinity to earn, but they also have to battle the unavailability of jobs and the unwillingness of employers to employ women just to keep the food on the table. Out of the 48 lakh unemployed people in Maharashtra, the Vidarbha region contributes 6 lakh of them. Although an older report, according to the 2013-14 Report on District Level Estimates for the state of Maharashtra, Nagpur reported 27% unemployment in urban areas and a staggering 55.3% in rural areas. As mentioned earlier, this was a relatively old statistic. However, going through the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t done any good in the rural employment sector.
Taking the dire unemployment situation into consideration as well as considering the rising issue of alcoholism amongst the general male population in the region, it has also given rise to domestic violence, marital rape and sexual assault under influence. The Covid-19 pandemic and the Lockdown made this situation a lot worse as unemployment was peaking and the availability of alcoholic beverages was very low. Upon gathering statistics from an NGO called Aroha working for the development of rural women, it was found that domestic violence cases simply multiplied by 2.3 times during the first lockdown (March – July 2020). This is an extremely dire situation and it is continually worsening with the increase in economic disparity and water shortages reaching an all-time high. This is the time when the need to empower women to gain financial stability and independence is the most. The NGO Aroha has taken this as their mission and has been working towards training women in making handicraft items and selling them on an international market through powerful marketing and product development via their brand Rangers.
Rangers is a traditional eco-friendly, high-quality handicrafts store based in Nagpur which sells purses, handbags, lamp shades etc which are made by women from rural areas and all the profit is evenly divided between all women involved, contributing to their financial independence.
Aroha starts by enrolling women who are in dire need of financial assistance. They start by providing them with training in handcrafting, Warli art, stitching, embroidery and block printing. Then, once the women graduate with enough skills, they’re hired by Rangaresha which provides them with employment, stable income as well as incentives for them to work. Aroha is financially supported by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Since 2004, Aroha steadfastly remained focused on the promotion of livelihoods, capacity-building initiatives and extending training support as well as surfacing as a resource agency for all of the above for the benefit of other allied agencies. With time self-help group formation activities were also undertaken. In the past 17 years, Aroha has helped 1739 women overcome poverty and has made them
capable of standing up for themselves and fighting back against years of oppression. Although the actual statistical data about profits and actual gross income from handicrafts remains unknown and the organisation didn’t provide that information, it is undeniable that the organisation and their vision had been successful in their initiative and continue to empower women to date.
Economic developmentis a process through which the overall education, well-being, health, income and living standards of the general population improves. This is where the economy will gradually grow, change and become advanced. Economic development is the priority of local, state and federal government as it will lead towards an upgrading in innovation and new ideas, higher literacy rates, creation of jobs, improved environment, creation of higher wealth, labor support and better quality of life.
Development economic is the study of economic development.
Difference between Economic development and Economic Growth:
Economic Growth: Economic Growth is all about expanding the size of the economy bigger. Here GDP is the sum of all economic activity in a nation over a specific period.
Economic Development: Economic Development look into how the citizens are affected in a country.Apart from the living standards it also look into the freedom to enjoy their living standards. Here GDP is divided by the total population.
Important perspectives in Economic development are: *Average life expectancy *Education Standards *Literacy rates *Environmental standards *Availability of houses for living and their quality *Health care.It also includes the number of doctors available and the affordable medicines for their treatments. *Income per capita
Economic growth is a crucial condition for development. However, just growth is not enough because it cannot guarantee development. Amartya Kumar Sen, an Indian economist and philosopher, who received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, once said: “Economic development is about creating freedom for people and removing obstacles to greater freedom. Greater freedom enables people to choose their own destiny.” “Obstacles to freedom, and hence to development, include poverty, lack of economic opportunities, corruption, poor governance, lack of education and lack of health.”
Policies of Economic development: It can be encompass into three major cases: • Governments undertaking to meet broad economic objectives such as price stability, high employment, and sustainable growth. Such efforts include monetary and fiscal policies, regulation of financial institutions, trade, and tax policies. • Programs that provide infrastructure and services such as highways, parks, affordable housing, crime prevention, and K–12 education. • Job creation and retention through specific efforts in business finance, marketing, neighborhood development, workforce development, small business development, business retention and expansion, technology transfer, and real estate development. This third category is a primary focus of economic development professionals. Contractionary monetary policy is a tool used by central banks to slow down a country’s economic growth. An example would be raising interest rates to decrease lending. In the United States, the use of contractionary monetary policy has increased women’s unemployment. One growing understanding in economic development is the promotion of regional clusters and a thriving metropolitan economy. International trade and exchange rates are a key issue in economic development. Currencies are often either under-valued or over-valued, resulting in trade surpluses or deficits. Furthermore, the growth of globalization has linked economic development with trends on international trade and participation in global value chains (GVCs) and international financial markets. The last financial crisis had a huge effect on economies in developing countries. Economist Jayati Ghosh states that it is necessary to make financial markets in developing countries more resilient by providing a variety of financial institutions. This could also add to financial security for small-scale producers .
Organisations of Economic Development: Economic development has evolved into a professional industry of highly specialized practitioners. The practitioners have two key roles: one is to provide leadership in policy-making, and the other is to administer policy, programs, and projects. Economic development practitioners generally work in public offices on the state, regional, or municipal level, or in public–private partnerships organizations that may be partially funded by local, regional, state, or federal tax money. There are numerous other organizations whose primary function is not economic development that work in partnership with economic developers. They include the news media, foundations, utilities, schools, health care providers, faith-based organizations, and colleges, universities, and other education or research institutions.
Economic Indicators: An economic indicator is a metric used to assess, measure, and evaluate the overall state of health of the macroeconomy. Economic indicators are often collected by a government agency or private business intelligence organization in the form of a census or survey, which is then analyzed further to generate an economic indicator. Financial analysts and investors keep track of macroeconomic indicators because the economy is a source of systematic risk that affects the growth or decline of all industries and companies
Primary Economic Indicator: Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is widely accepted as the primary indicator of macroeconomic performance. The GDP, as an absolute value, shows the overall size of an economy, while changes in the GDP, often measured as real growth in GDP, show the overall health of the economy.
Main Indicators of economic development: 1) National Income Index Economic development takes place if real national income increases over time. 2)Per Capita Income Group The national income indicator does not reflect the true picture of the development of the economy. 3)Physical Quality of Life Index In many developing countries despite economic development, no improvement has taken place in the quality of life. The physical quality of life index into consideration the non-income elements of life. The country has a high life expectancy, the lowest infant mortality and the highest literacy is considered to be superior to other countries. This index of development is superior to the per capita income index because it reveals the end result of the use of National Income in the country concerned.
4)Basic Needs Approach ccording to this indicator of economic development, the development of an economy is judged in terms of the extent to which the basic needs of the masses are satisfied. The components of basic needs are food, pure drinking water, sanitation, health, and education, etc. The index of development is useful especially from the common man’s point of view as he is more concerned with his basic needs rather than the total production in the country. 5)Human Development Index: This index of economic development has been prepared by the United Nations called the Human Development Index (HDI). It consists of per capita income, educational attainment, and life expectancy. The index does not measure the absolute level of human development. It ranks countries in relation to one another. The index is superior to other indicators of economic growth as it takes into consideration both income and non-income factors.
This report is an excerpt of an interview project that i completed for one of my practical classes. I had to interview people working in NGO working for marital rapes analyze the interview.In this project i’ve interviewed Dr. Chitra Awasthi, the founder of RIT foundation that in collaboration with many NGOs to promote gender equality in India.
NATURE OF REPORT
In order to gain insight on the prevalence of marital rape in India and to promote gender and social equality in the country, the students of Mass communication and journalism were instructed to interview an NFPO (RIT Foundation) within the field of awareness through Media
There were no stipulations about the medium used or the questions to be asked. Students were permitted to select their own respondent owing to their comfort as well as good knowledge of the field. The report is directed to citizens of the country and people across nations. The report aims to start a conversation on this topic, to give women under martial rape the courage to raise their voice and to pressurize the law-makers to criminalize such acts.
MARITAL RAPE
The act of sexual intercourse with one’s spouse without the consent of the partner is known as marital rape. Whether the perpetrator is a stranger or a spouse, it is one of the most horrific acts a man can conduct against a woman. Though marital rape is the most common and repugnant form of masochism in Indian society, it is hidden behind the iron curtain of marriage. 83% of married women i.e. nearly one in every 3 women have been subjected to physical, sexual and emotional violence from their spouse. Almost 31% of married women between the ages 15 and 49 have suffered from sexual abuse cite their current husband as the perpetrator.
Any undesired sexual actions by a spouse or ex-spouse conducted without consent and/or against a person’s will, achieved by force, threat of force, intimidation, or when a person is unable to consent, are classified as marital rape. Intercourse, anal or oral sex, forced sexual conduct with other people, and other sexual practices that the victim finds degrading, humiliating, painful, or unwelcome are examples of these sexual actions.
Rape is a crime that occurs when a woman refuses to provide her consent. It’s crucial to remember that lack of consent doesn’t always have to take the form of the word ‘no.’ It’s reasonable to assume given the circumstances. If a woman consents to sexual intercourse within a marriage because of the threat of harm to her children or herself, the woman loses her right to stay in the house or get maintenance, it is not valid consent. It is still rape.
THE CURRENT SITUATION AND STATISTICS
140 of the world’s 195 countries have already made marital rape a criminal offence. The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and Russia are among the countries on the list.
However, 55 countries, including India, China, and Singapore, are countries where it is still OK to rape your wife.
The concept of marital rape has not been recognized until today. We’ve been lobbying for a law to make it a crime, but first we need to gather statistics on rape in marriage.
And according to the latest National Health and Family Survey (NFHS-4) for 2015-16, 5.4% women have experienced marital rape, under this category. But while the data on marital rape in India exists, marital rape as a crime “does not exist”.
And yet 5.4% of married Indian women say they have experienced marital rape. 4.4% of them say they have experienced marital rape in just the last 12 months before this survey. The figure recorded by NFHS-3 for 2005-6 was 9.5%.
But while the data on marital rape in India exists, marital rape as a crime “does not exist”.
The data also includes entries for “forced her to perform any sexual actions that she did not want to” and “forced her to perform any sexual acts that she did not want to with threats or in any other way.” Overall, 2.5% and 3.6% of married Indian women answered affirmatively to these categories as well. That brings the number of married women who have been subjected to what would be called rape or sexual violence if the perpetrator had not been their husband to 11.5 percent.
Despite the historical misconception that rape by one’s partner is a minor occurrence that causes little damage, research shows that marital rape has serious and long-term implications for women. Injuries to private organs, lacerations, discomfort, bruising, torn muscles, tiredness, and vomiting are some of the physical repercussions of marital rape. In addition to broken bones, black eyes, bloody noses, and knife wounds, women who have been assaulted and raped by their husbands may experience other physical consequences such as broken bones, black eyes, bloody noses, and knife wounds as a result of the sexual violence. Miscarriages, stillbirths, bladder infections, infertility, and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV are all gynecological repercussions of marital rape.
Women who have been raped by their partners are likely to experience significant psychological repercussions. Anxiety, shock, acute dread, despair, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the short-term symptoms of marital rape. Disordered eating, sleep issues, depression, difficulties forming trusting relationships, and increased negative thoughts about themselves are all common long-term impacts. The psychological consequences are likely to linger for a long time. For years after the abuse, some marital rape survivors describe flashbacks, sexual dysfunction, and emotional pain.
OTHER COUNTRIES’ LEGAL STATUS
In the United States, experts estimate that 10% to 14% of married women are raped throughout their marriage. Researchers discovered that marital rape accounted for almost 25% of all rapes when they looked at the frequency of different types of rape. Given the popularity of marital rape, social scientists, practitioners, the criminal justice system, and society as a whole have paid little attention to the issue. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1970s that society began to recognize the possibility of rape in marriage. Until recently, the usual rule was that a husband could not be convicted of raping his wife because he has an implicit right to sexual intercourse with his wife under the marital contract.
Resistance restrictions are still in place in the majority of American states. There are no exemptions for husbands from rape prosecution in seventeen states and the District of Columbia. There are still certain exemptions for husbands from rape prosecution in thirty-three states. In several of these thirty-three states, a husband is excused from prosecution when his wife is most vulnerable (e.g., she is mentally or physically disabled, unconscious, asleep, etc.) and legally unable to consent. The majority of States have certain spousal exemptions, indicating that rape in marriage is still considered a lesser offence than other types of rape.
When we look at the laws of various countries, we can find that most of them punish rape both within and outside of marriage.
In Australia, for example, if a person has achieved the age of 16, he or she can petition to a judge or magistrate for an order permitting them to marry.
By 1991, however, the marital rape exception had been repealed in every state in Australia.
In New Zealand, a person under the age of 20 but over the age of 16 can only marry with the approval of their parents. For women, the age of sexual consent is similarly 16 years. The New Zealand Crimes Act of 1961 makes no provision for marital rape. In 1985, the marital rape exemption was repealed. In the United Kingdom, a marriage between two people under the age of 16 is void. In 1991, the marital rape exemption was completely repealed.
A marriage between two people under the age of 16 is void in the United Kingdom. In 1991, the marital rape exemption was completely repealed. In Egypt, the age of majority is 21 years old for all legal reasons except marriage. The legal age for consent is 18, and intercourse with a female under the age of 18 is considered rape under the penal code.
Various states in the United States have different laws. In the United States, the marital rape exception has been repealed in 50 states. In Indonesia, the age of majority, as well as the age at which girls and boys can marry, is 16 for girls and 19 for boys. A girl’s legal age for giving valid consent to a sexual act is also established at 16 years. Any marriage that occurs before the age of majority is null and invalid.
LEGAL POSITION IN INDIA
In India, marital rape is legal but not de facto. While in other nations, the legislative has either criminalized marital rape or the judiciary has actively participated in recognizing it as a crime, the judiciary in India appears to be working at cross-purposes. The Supreme Court ruled in Bodhisattwa Gautam v. Subhra Chakraborty that rape is a crime against basic human rights and a breach of the victim’s most prized fundamental right, the right to life, which is contained in Article 21 of the Constitution. However, it contradicts this declaration by failing to recognize marital rape. Though there have been some advancements in Indian domestic violence legislation, they have mostly been limited to physical rather than sexual abuse.
This established the notion that a woman does not have the right to refuse sex with her spouse once they are married. This gives husbands sexual access to their spouses, which is in clear violation of human rights principles and gives husbands permission to rape their women. The rape legislation only applies to two types of married women: those under the age of 15 and those who are separated from their spouses. While rape of a girl under the age of 12 may result in a sentence of ten years or more in jail, rape of a girl under the age of 15 results in a lower punishment if the rapist is married to the victim. When Section 376-A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, was added in 1983, it made some headway toward criminalizing domestic abuse against the wife.
The Law Commission’s proposed definition of sexual assault, which is wide, complete, and acceptable, could be used in place of the existing term of rape in Section 375 IPC, according to the report. The Task Force, like the Law Commission, stopped short of suggesting that marital rape be included in the new definition. Currently, India’s legal framework is severely inadequate in terms of safeguarding women’s bodily integrity and sexual autonomy.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The RIT Foundation is a non-profit organizationcreated in 2009 by Dr. Chitra Awasthi, an educationist, writer, and philanthropist. The RIT Foundation is collaborating with a number of non-governmental organizations in India to promote social and gender equality.
In 2015, they filed a petition – RIT Foundation v. Union of India writ petition c no. 284 of 2015 seeking to criminalize marital rape. It will be coming up before the Delhi High Court for final hearing early next year.
“The first step to breaking the silence is having the tool to validate,” Chitra Awasthi says. The last refuge of male dominance is the control of women’s sexuality and bodies. It will take time to smash it. However, as a society, we must begin a dialogue and put pressure on lawmakers to act.”
Respondent’s Background
Dr. Chitra Awasthi is the president and founder of RIT Foundation. She has been working as an educationist with children and young adults for the past 36 years now. She is well-known in academics for her psychological insights and comprehensive understanding of holistic living solutions. With a postgraduate degree, a university topper, in sociology from Kanpur University, she has authored a wide range of books on sociology and allied subjects. Her major interest, however, has always been in religion and spiritualism. She has translated, edited, and produced secret treasures from English, Sanskrit, and Hindi, and she is an eager student of spiritual literature in the Indian tradition. Rit International is her first foray into the corporate world. She does, however, wish to help share the same knowledge to children who are less privileged, so that they can benefit from high-quality education and knowledge.
To provide financial protection against the risk of some future event. The phrase “insurance” comes from the Latin for “to hedge one’s bets”.
It is also known as a form of risk management and is meant to hedge against financial loss. Insurance exists in various forms and can be categorized as compulsory or voluntary, public or private, or commercial.
Voluntary liability insurance provides protection to the policyholder against liability arising from an incident that triggers a policy obligation. Public automobile insurance is compulsory in most countries and private auto insurance often exists only where required by law.
Commercial Auto Insurance Policies are designed to provide coverage for motor vehicles used in a business enterprise – these policies typically provide coverage on an “occurrence basis” rather than “claims-made basis.”
What Is Life, Home & Auto Insurance?
Insurance is one of the most important aspects for everyone to consider. There are two types of insurance: life and property. The first one ensures you don’t die from a disease or accident that happens, while the second one covers any damages that happen to your belongings such as your car, house, home appliances or anything else.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is a type of insurance that covers the potential risk of all or part of someone’s life, for example, if they die early or get left with dependent children. Life insurance rates are different and depend on many factors including age and smoking. So, always talk to a qualified advisor before deciding on the best option for you. Life Insurance quotes online in India could be what you need to find the best coverage at an affordable rate.
The general rule is to always have enough insurance coverage. This will allow you to replace items that are lost or damage due to accidents/incidents. Life insurance rates are different and depend on many factors including age and smoking. So, always talk to a qualified advisor before deciding on the best option for you. Life Insurance quotes online in India could be what you need to find the best coverage at an affordable rate.
Home Insurance
Home Insurance is a must for any homeowner and is a legal requirement if you are renting or have rented your home. Home insurance can be confusing because there are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration as well as different products and providers.
The type of coverage you need will depend on what you want to be covered, how valuable your home is, who will live in the home and your budget. Below are some suggestions on how to choose the right kind of coverage at the right price.
* Which level of coverage do I need?
* How much does home insurance cost?
* What can I get with my policy?
* What else should I know about home insurance?
* Should I buy flood insurance too?
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance is a must-have. It might seem expensive, but it can save you from financial ruin in the event of an accident or from being stranded on the side of the road.
Auto insurance rates depend on several factors, such as where you live, your annual mileage and your credit score. You can get quotes online for free to find out how much different options would cost you – but consider shopping around and trying to find a policy that fits within your budget.
Summary
In conclusion, insurance is a critical part of protecting your car, home, and life. It can help you recover from damages, replace lost belongings, and give you peace of mind in knowing that you are financially protected against unexpected events. Be sure to shop around for the best rates and coverage for your needs, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to make sure you understand your policy. Thanks for reading!
India shares geographical boundary with eight countries namely Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Since the inception of our foreign policy, India has aimed at building trust with its neighbors. It aims at peaceful friendly relations and mutual economic development by enhanced trade and investments.
•Pakistan: Improving relations with Pakistan has been among top priorities in Indian foreign policy. After the visit of Pakistan former Prime Minister Parvez Musharaff in 2004, there has been a vacuum in our talks. It seems that radical groups in Pakistan took undue advantage of this vacuum and consequently there has been increased reports of cross-border terrorism activities. 26/11 attack is an unwashable strain on the fabric of friendship between India and Pakistan. But as it is said that ‘time heals all wounds’. The recently elected Narendra Modi led National Democratic alliance government’s attitude is worth appreciation. Indian Prime minister invited his Pakistani counterpart in his swearing in ceremony in New Delhi. This is a clear indication that both Nations are willing to take their relations on newer heights. In this aspect changed outlook India should try to adopt a sustainable foreign policy towards Pakistan. Smaller initiatives like Indo-Pak trade fair at Jalandhar, Punjab (India) needs to be encouraged. Healthy trade relations will help both sides equally.
•Nepal: Since the birth of democratic institution in Nepal, India has increasingly tried to have good relations with Nepal. Currently a joint hydro power project is being built on Sharda River. This power plant is thought to mutually help both India and Nepal with respect to electricity production and irrigation facilities. From the environmental perspective, there are a number of Tiger reserves along Indo-Nepal border. Both countries have identified their importance and are helping each other to sustain the existing ones and creating new ones. •China: China being manufacturing hub of world, is strategically very important to India. In fact China has become a role model for development. India needs to build strong trade relations with China. Increasing Foreign Direct Investment caps in various sectors has been one such step of India to invite investors from abroad.Apart from these bilateral relations, India has been active on various other forums as well which provides for greater engagement with its neighbors. For example India has been one of the pioneering advocate of TAPI (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India). This project aimed at bringing gas from Gulf countries and distribute it in TAPI countries.
India is an active member in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India China and South Africa). BRICS is emerging a one of the significant union in world. BRICS nations represent 40 per cent of world population and has approximately sixteen trillion dollars as its Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). BRICS nation contributes around eighteen per cent of world economy. The recent BRICS summit held at Brazil in July 2014. One of the German intellectual has rightly said that ‘For economic development of a nation, peace with its neighbors is a pre-requisite’. India not only recognizes this statement but also conforms to it. Going by the mood of current Indian government in India, Union government too knows the importance of its neighbors. If India wants to be a super-power then maintaining friendly relations with its neighbors is a first step of ladder in this direction.
India has always wanted friendly ties with its neighbours, there can be no debate around it. We want to live in harmony and peace.
In the process of governance, which involves several sets of activities to deliver effective services to people, civil services play a pivotal role in providing shape to policies that reflect people’s needs and put their suggestive, analytical and informative roles to implement the policies. It is recognized that civil services play a crucial role in all societies. In the modern administrative state, public administration has become so significant that our development, upliftment and progress depend mainly upon the efficient functioning of civil services that are the bedrock of public administration. Civil services have assumed more important role in democracy to ensure good governance, both in developing and developed countries. Civil Services form a part of bureaucracy, wherein the roles of civil servants are determined by written rules. It’s an impersonal system operating on the basis of calculable rules and staffed by full time appointed officials. Usually, the civil servants are selected on basis of their technical qualifications, receive fixed salaries, have a defined sphere of competence and work under a clearly defined hierarchy of offices.
The role of Civil Servants across the domains of policy making and policy implementation is critical to the development process. They assist in identifying major policy areas such as preparing major policy proposals, analyzing various alternatives and solutions to societal problems requiring urgent attention, dividing the major policies into sub-policies, determining program of action and suggesting modification in the existing policy on the basis of its experience on the implementation front.Civil services carry on the governance when governments change due to elections etc. Ramsay Muir has remarked that while governments may come and go, ministers may rise and fall, the administration of a country goes on forever. It is needless to say that civil services form the backbone of administration. E.g. In India, when the President’s Rule is imposed in a state, the Governor runs the state through the Chief Secretary and other civil servants.The civil servants are responsible to the ministers of the departments in which they serve. The ministers are accountable to the people through the Parliament or State Legislatures, and the civil servants are accountable to the ministers. They should ideally serve the elected government of the day, as government policies are the functions of the civil services. However, an impartial civil servant is also accountable to the Constitution of India on which he has taken an oath of allegiance.
In India, bureaucracy or civil services is permanent and does not change with the government. The recruitment is based on merit and through competitive exams. This is in contrast to the system followed in the US, where civil servants, especially in the higher echelons, change with the government. This is called the spoils system where people who are close to the government of the day get posts.
With bad laws and good civil servants it’s still possible to govern. But with bad civil servants even the best laws can’t help.
Physical geography is one of the two branches of geography viz., physical geography and human geography. In fact, the study of physical aspects of the earth represents the core of spatial science i.e., geography. Most of geographers have pleaded for bifurcation of geography into physical and human geography but it is rather unwise to ignore biotic aspect of the biospheric ecosystem of the earth and hence there should be trifurcation of geography into physical geography, human geography and biogeographyPhysical geography in terms of its meaning and definition, scope (subject matter) and methods of study has undergone sea-change in the past few decades. In the beginning, physical geography was defined as the study of only physical environment (namely reliefs, air and water) of the earth e.g., ‘the study of physical environment by itself is physical geography which includes consideration of surface relief of the globe (geomorphology), of the seas and the oceans (oceanography) and of the air (meteorology and climatology) (Arthur Holmes).
Physical geography was considered as the agglomeration of different branches of earth sciences or natural sciences viz., sciences of atmosphere (meteorology and climatology); science of seas and oceans (oceanography); science of solid earth (geology); science of soil (pedology); science of plants (botany) and science of landforms (geomorphology).As a distinct branch of geography physical geography studies the spatial patterns and spatial relationships of environmental components of the globe in regional context, it also studies the causes of regional patterns of such spatial relationships, simultaneously it incorporates the explanation of spatial and temporal changes of environmental components and causes thereof.The study of features resulting from the interactions between endogenetic and exogenetic forces involves the discussion of mode of denudational processes (weathering and erosion), hetherto termed as geomorphic processes, their mechanism of operation (machanism of erosion, transportation and deposition by running water-river, groundwater, sea waves, wind, glacier and periglacial agent) and resultant landforms.
The discipline of physical geography has evolved through successive stages of its development in terms of methodology and approaches to study. After taking its birth in the philosophical ideas and reports of ancient thinkers, philosophers and historians of the ancient seats of civilization and culture e.g., Greece, Rome and Egypt, the science of physical environment attained its present status wherein different components were added from time to time.
Geography is also memory. And loss of physical geography is also loss of narrative memory.
Nanotechnology is defined as fabrication of devices with atomic or molecular scale precision. Devices with minimum feature sizes less than 100 nanometers (nm) are considered to be products of nanotechnology. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter (10-9 m) and is the unit of length that is generally most appropriate for describing the size of single molecules.The nanoscale marks the nebulous boundary between the classical and quantum mechanical worlds; thus, realization of nanotechnology promises to bring revolutionary capabilities. Fabrication of nanomachines, nanoelectronics and other nanodevices will undoubtedly solve an enormous amount of the problems faced by mankind today.Nanotechnology is currently in a very infantile stage. However, we now have the ability to organize matter on the atomic scale and there are already numerous products available as a direct result of our rapidly increasing ability to fabricate and characterize feature sizes less than 100 nm. Mirrors that don’t fog, biomimetic paint with a contact angle near 180°, gene chips and fat soluble vitamins in aqueous beverages are some of the first manifestations of nanotechnology. However, immenant breakthroughs in computer science and medicine will be where the real potential of nanotechnology will first be achieved.
Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to bring about mature nanotechnology. Focusing on the nanoscale intersection of fields such as physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, computer science and more, nanoscience is rapidly expanding. Nanotechnology centers are popping up around the world as more funding is provided and nanotechnology market share increases. The rapid progress is apparent by the increasing appearance of the prefix “nano” in scientific journals and the news. Thus, as we increase our ability to fabricate computer chips with smaller features and improve our ability to cure disease at the molecular level, nanotechnology is herestorage (or other uses) is enormous. As first described in a lecture titled, ‘There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom’ in 1959 by Richard P. Feynman, there is nothing besides our clumsy size that keeps us from using this space. In his time, it was not possible for us to manipulate single atoms or molecules because they were far too small for our tools. Thus, his speech was completely theoretical and seemingly fantastic. He described how the laws of physics do not limit our ability to manipulate single atoms and molecules. Instead, it was our lack of the appropriate methods for doing so. However, he correctly predicted that the time would come in which atomically precise manipulation of matter would inevitably arrive.Nanomachines can also be incorporated into various materials to make those materials respond to their environment, or to outside commands. Examples of such materials would be “smart” fabrics that respond to the environment to become warmer or cooler, or walls and furniture that can move or change shape on command. Nanomachines could also be used as tools both in industry and by consumers. Such tools could cut apart or glue together material far more efficiently than anything large-scale that is used today. Nanomachines could also repair cars, furniture, applicances, or almost anything else quickly and efficiently. Or these objects could be designed with nanomachines to repair themselves should the need arise. Life would be greatly simplified by relieving people of the need to repair objects at home or at work.
In thinking about nanotecnolog today, what’s most important is understanding where it leads, what nanotechnology will look like after we reach the assembler breakthrough.
The word “Agriculture” has no rigid definition. It has been explained by many people very comprehensively. Agriculture has been defined as the science and art of cultivating the soil, and this definition emphasizes the primary nature of plant production in agriculture.Moreover, it is so frequent that the same person performs both the primary functions of growing plants and the secondary one of feeding the plants to livestock that these two industries are grouped together as agriculture. Therefore, it may be said that agriculture includes not only the production of crops by the cultivation of the soil, but also the rearing of livestock. Thus, milk, meat and wool are as much agricultural products as are wheat, rice and cotton. In the words of George O’Brien, therefore, the word agriculture includes, “every industry which aims at producing vegetables or animals by the cultivation of the soil.”So, agriculture is the business of raising products from the land. The products raised may either be plants and their products or animals and their products. The former are the direct products while the latter are the indirect products of the land. Agricultural products are complex and diverse, in nature, and as such, agriculture may be regarded as complex industry.Modern agriculture is such broader in scope than merely the art and science of cultivating the land. It is the whole business of supplying food and fiber for a growing population at home and abroad. Again in agriculture we include all forms of soil production, from forestry to glass-house culture, from fishery to artificial insemination, and from breeding to horticulture.
Primitive men must have begun as food gatherers, eating whatever fruits, leaves and roots they could obtain. Nature must have been bountiful in those days when human numbers were so small and wild plants grew everywhere. As time passed and human numbers grew, fishing and hunting became increasingly important in supplementing what was lacking in the field, and an endless search for food ensued.It was soon realized that some form of food production was necessary if men were to live long and secure. Animals were tamed, first to provide meat, milk and skin; later for use as draught animals. Seeds were sown in ploughed fields, carefully tended and harvested when the time came.Men were then able to live in settled communities. Because they were no longer continually moving they had time to develop the various arts, crafts and skills that formed the basis of modern industries and also evolved religious and political ideas. Without a settled agriculture, a measurable degree of civilization is not possible.
The history of India and Indian national movement is resolvable in understanding. The Indian independence movement was a series of historic events during the British Raj with the ultimate aim of ending British rule in India on the Indian subcontinent. It lasted from 1857 to 1947.
REVOLT OF 1857:The first movement for freedom first broke in Bengal.The Revolt of 1857 was started on May 10, 1857, at Meerut. It was the first-ever war for Indian Independence. It was the first large-scale rebellion against the East India Company. The Revolt was unsuccessful but it made a major impact on the public and stirred the entire Independence Movement in India. Mangal Pandey was one of the major parts of the revolution as he declared rebellion against his commanders and fired the first shot on the British officer.
Swadeshi Boycott Movement: At the beginning of the 20th century, the Britishers announced the partition of Bengal with a motive to weaken the unity of nationalists. Amongst the prime Indian national movements, the Swadeshi Boycott Movement surfaced in the year 1903 as a reaction against the partition of Bengal but was formally announced in July 1905 and fully came into force from October 1905. From 1905 to 1908, the Swadeshi and Boycott movement was started by extremists like Bipin Chandra Pal, Tila, Lala Lajpat Rai and Aurobindo Ghosh. The general public was asked to refrain from the use of foreign goods and motivated to substitute them with the Indian homemade goods. Prominent events like Indian festivals, songs, poetries and paintings were used to propagate this Indian national movement.
Home Rule League Movement : To convey and propagate the feeling of self-governance into the common man, this Indian National movement was carried out in India as it simultaneously happened in Ireland. Majorly, the below-mentioned leagues pivotally contributed to the group of the Home Rule League Movement using newspapers, posters, pamphlets and so on.Bal Gangadhar Tilak started this league in April 1916 and spread out to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Berar and Central Provinces.Annie Besant’s League began in September 1916 in various other parts of the country.
Satyagraha Movement: The first Satyagraha Movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran District of Bihar in the year 1917. Champaran district had tens of thousands of landless serfs. One of the suppressed Indigo cultivators, Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla persuaded Gandhi to lead this movement. This led to other Satyagraha Movements.
Khilafat Non-Cooperation Movement : The Non-Cooperation Movement was one of the most famous and crucial phases in the Indian freedom struggle against the Britishers.Ill-treatment of the Khalifa, the spiritual leader of the Muslims by the Britishers agitated the entire Muslim community in India and around the world. Deteriorating economic conditions in the country along with the major incidents like Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Rowlatt Act, etc were the main reasons behind how it emerged to be a pivotal Indian national movement.This are the one of the important reason for the rise of this movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement was officially launched by the Khilafat Committee in August 1920. Also, the Indian National Congress adopted the movement in December 1920 after their Nagpur session. After which a complete boycott of government goods, schools, colleges, food, clothing etc happened and emphasis was laid on studying at national schools and khadi products were used. On February 5, 1922, Chauri Chaura incident took place wherein the police station along with 22 policemen inside it was burnt. This led to call-off of this Indian National Movement by Mahatama Gandhi.
Civil Disobedience Movement: One of the most prominent Indian national movements, the Civil Disobedience phase is classified into two stages: First Civil Disobedience Movement The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched along with the Dandi March by Mahatma Gandhi on 12th March 1930. Ultimately, it ended on April 6 when Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi. Afterwards, the movement was proceeded by C.Raja Gopalachari.Mass participation of women, peasants and merchants happened and was succeeded by salt satyagraha, no-tex movement and no-rent movement as this Indian national movement spread across the country. Later on, it got withdrawn in March 1931 because of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Second Civil Disobedience Movement : The failed treaty of the second roundtable conference led to the start of the second Civil Disobedience Movement stretching from December 1931 to April 1934. This lead to varied practices like protests in front of liquor stores, salt satyagraha, forest law violations happened. But the British Government was aware of the upcoming incidents, thus, it imposed martial law with a ban on gatherings outside Gandhi’s Ashrams.
Quit India Movement : The main reason behind the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942 as it became one of the powerful Indian National Movements include the failure of the Cripps proposal become the awakening call for the Indians.The discontent of the general public with hardships brought by the world war.
After going through so many hardships in order to redeem the motherland from foreign and save the religion and self-esteem, India received it’s freedom from British on the night of 15th August 1947, 12:02 am from the British to become a Sovereign and Democratic country.
Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world completely, with affecting almost all the countries around the globe. Today, the whole world is struggling against covid-19. Amidst this fight, it has been declared that with the help of WHO we can win this fight against covid-19. Covid-19 has been declared as a pandemic by world health organization on on March 11, 2020 and since then, WHO has been helping a lot to end this pandemic situation. Safe and effective vaccines, being manufactured everyday are really crucial to end this pandemic. WHO has been working tirelessly in manufacturing and developing these vaccines and also ensuring equitable distribution of theses vaccines.
UPDATING COVID CASES
WHO plays a significant role in determining the covid cases around the globe. For the production as well as the distribution of vaccines, it is important to know how much Covid cases each country has, so that the vaccines can be manufactured and distributed accordingly. This task is being accomplished by World Health Organization (WHO). WHO updates about covid cases worldwide with the help of statistical tools used for analyzing like graphs and histograms. There is one graph for the overall worldwide covid situation and separate graphs for each country. WHO also helps in providing a better understanding of covid situation by using graphs and histograms in such a way that even a layman can understand it.
This is a recent graph provided by WHO showing 221,134,742 total covid cases and a total of 4,574,089 deaths by covid around the globe as of 7th of September, 2021[1].
WHO also has kept us updated about some vital information about covid like when it became airborne, its second and third wave etc. It also uses apps like twitter and Instagram to update people about the latest information relating to covid. To accomplish all these tasks, WHO has set up a full support team for updating people time to time and also providing assistance to people in this pandemic.
DEVELOPING OF VACCINES
WHO has brought together 400 of the world’s leading researchers to identify research priorities for the manufacturing of vaccines[2]. “Solidarity Trial”, an international clinical trial, involving 90 countries is also one initiative launched by WHO, to help find effective treatment[3]. WHO has also taken up research protocols for better understanding of the virus. Approximately 130 scientists, funders and manufacturers from around the world have signed a statement committing to work with WHO to speed the development of a vaccine against COVID-19[4].
In addition to this, the world health organization is giving its best in making people understand about vaccines, its side effects, its importance etc. by uploading various pdfs and data files on its site.
Above is the cover page of one pdf file uploaded by WHO on their website which tells everything about the working of the vaccines, its benefits, vaccines by different companies etc. In addition to this, WHO has also answered the most asked questions about covid-19 vaccines.
WHO has also given details of various vaccines launched by different companies and have listed their side effects too. It has also helped in the approval of various vaccines given by Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford, Serum Institute of India etc. On its website of Covid-19 vaccine tracker, WHO lays down the list of all the approved vaccines along with the number of countries approving these vaccines and the number of trials in other countries.
EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES
The world health organization (WHO) has a very big role to play in the equitable distribution of vaccines. For equitable distribution of vaccines, WHO has unveiled its global plan to fairly distribute covid-19 vaccine. two-thirds of the world’s population have joined its plan to buy and fairly distribute COVID-19 vaccines around the globe[5]. As per WHO’s “fair allocation mechanism” distribution of vaccines will be conducted in two phases.
In the first phase, all countries would receive vaccine proportional to their population; initially enough vaccine to immunize 3% of their population, with the first doses going to frontline workers in health care and social care[6]. Then, additional vaccine would be delivered until 20% of a nation’s population is covered. WHO envisages that these doses would be used to immunize those at the highest risk from COVID-19: elderly people and those with comorbidities[7].
Second phase would be dealing with the countries where vaccinations are needed to cover additional people on the basis of the urgency of immunizations needed. The priority will be decided on the basis of two criteria’s.
The magnitude of spread of virus whether it is spreading very fast and whether other pathogens like influenza are also spreading at the same time
Whether the health care system of the country is strong or weak, whether it has sufficient beds in hospitals for its patients and other intensive care units etc.
RESULTS OF THE PLAN LAUNCHED BY WHO
The plan by World Health Organization (WHO) is still in progress and it is said that additional 38 countries are expected to sign soon[8]. Access to the vaccines in the COVAX portfolio will be given to these countries and they will pay for their own doses. It has secured an estimated 700 million vaccine doses so far and wants to provide 2 billion by the end of 2021, with the aim of providing coverage to at least 20% of the population of participating countries[9]. The WHO has also called for moratorium on Covid Vaccine Booster Shots till end of September to address the drastic inequity in dose distribution between rich and poor nations[10].
WHO ASSISTANCE TO COVID-19 ECONOMY
The world health organization (WHO) in collaboration with other organizations initiated a global collaboration known as the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT Accelerator) with the motive of accelerating the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
So far 10 countries have contributed $2.4 billion to the work of the ACT Accelerator, with the United Kingdom committing just over US$ 1 billion, and Germany, Canada, Japan and France committing US$ 618 million, US$ 290 million, US$ 229 million and US$ 147 million respectively[11]. In just seven months, the ACT Accelerator’s progress has been significant: over 50 diagnostic tests have been evaluated and new rapid antigen diagnostics have been developed and being made available for LMICs; life-saving Dexamethasone treatments are being rolled out, research into monoclonal antibody treatments is advancing; and through the Health Systems Connector, the health system requirements for delivery of COVID-19 tools have been mapped in 4 out of 6 world regions[12].
It is now being reported that the countries who have contributed to ACT will now be able assess economic benefits to advanced economies in result of their contributions. Global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines estimated to generate economic benefits of at least US$ 153 billion in 2020–21, and US$ 466 billion by 2025, in 10 major economies, according to new report by the Eurasia Group[13]. With the help of introducing these policies and initiatives, WHO is now helping the falling economies of many countries to come to the positions they were on before this covid pandemic.
CONCLUSION
In order to sum up, I’ll like to say that WHO is working tirelessly to improve the covid-19 situation across the globe as well as supporting many economies in these hard times. Furthermore, WHO has also given certain guidelines for people to follow that’ll surely help in decreasing covid cases. Guidelines on vaccines are also given. All these guidelines are available on WHO websites. WHO has also conducted free campaigns to spread awareness. These efforts by WHO will only be fruitful when people follow all the instructions and guidelines in relation to covid 19 prevention and also get all the vaccinations properly for immunization. In order to win this fight against covid-19, it is advised to all the people to take necessary precautions and get vaccinated as soon as possible
[1] ‘WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard’, World Health Organization < https://covid19.who.int/> accessed 8th September,2021
Infidelity can be better defined as any act that violates an open or explicit agreement
between two people, thereby damaging the relationship. It usually means having an
emotional or intimate relationship other than your partner.
Deception is one of the most devastating and destructive things that can happen in a
person’s life. It can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, increased risky
behaviours and cause real physical pain.
All infidelity violates the supposed or implied marital union, whether that be emotionally or
physically.
Relationships in which more than two people are involved are known as Polyamory
relationships. In non-monogamous behavioural relationships, partners can practice flipping
or polyamory (having multiple romantic relationships at the same time). These programs
promote honest communication and consent between all members and is not an example of
infidelity.
Now, how does Infidelity affect society?
Disloyalty to a person is like a storm. When it floods you, you and everyone else are thrown into many different places. When parents are in trouble so are their children. When a house burns down, children and adults are left homeless. The same can be said of infidelity. Confusion, fear, uncertainty, anger, tears, withdrawal, suspicion, frustration, fighting affects everyone in the family and especially children who are naturally more sensitive and rely on their parents for emotional and physical stability and security.
For young adults, infidelity can wreak havoc on trust, and infidelity can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. The condition is associated with depression, anxiety and unhealthy coping strategies such as poor diet and substance abuse. Some mental health professionals believe that there may be a similarity to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Infidelity
• Physical Infidelity: Physical or sexual contact outside of relationships. There may or may not be an emotional attachment between partners.
• Emotional Infidelity: Emotional attachment or intimacy with another person. Emotional affairs can do as much damage, if not more, to a relationship as a physical affair.
• Cyber Infidelity:
social media has made it easier for people to engage in online
messages, chats, forums, or groups with sexual content. Cyber infidelity also
includes viewing erotic stimuli, such as porn.
• Object Infidelity:
Excessive love or interest outside of relationships can lead to
what is known as materialism. This is a situation where one partner is too focused on
something like their job or their phone, causing disruption in the relationship.
Credits – neil webb
Data And Facts
Statistics report that anywhere from 40-60 percent of adults in committed relationships commit acts of infidelity and despite popular opinion, there is no significant difference in these percentages between men and women. Not only has dishonesty in the workplace become increasingly common but it has also become easier to deal with dishonesty on the Internet and social networking sites.
The term “biodiversity” was coined around 1985.Biodiversity or biological diversity . Biodiversity is a term refers to the variety of species both flora and fauna present in an area, that is the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million species of plants and animals in existence. However, only around 1.2 million species have been identified and described so far, most of which are insects.Although examining counts of species is perhaps the most common method used to compare the biodiversity of various places, in practice biodiversity is weighted differently for different species, the reason being that some species are deemed more valuable or more interesting than others. One way this value is assessed is by examining the diversity that exists above the species level, in the genera, families, orders.The variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. This includes variation in genetic, phenotypic, phylogenetic, and functional attributes, as well as changes in abundance and distribution over time and space within and among species, biological communities and ecosystems.
The framework based on counting-up units contrasts with other proposals for general frameworks for biodiversity, including those proposals that have attempted to include a variety of calculations like endemism , dissimilarity, rarity, and so on within the definition of biodiversity . The framework based on counting-up units implies not only that biodiversity as variety is that total count, but also that we can carry out lots of other important, associated, calculations that will be useful for decision-making and policy ,notably looking at gains and losses. This idea of a biodiversity “calculus” contrasts with the ecologically oriented perspective that there are many different indices called “biodiversity”.
The common measure, species richness, illustrates the different perspectives. The pre-history of biodiversity, reflecting the species extinction crisis and the values of variety, provides a core rationale for a definition that includes counting-up species. The pre-history of “biodiversity” also highlighted the idea that the value of variety itself should be considered along-side the recognised benefits and dis-benefits of individual species , and all these benefits/values can enter into trade-offs and synergies that support decision-making. Some current perspectives or framings about biodiversity and its value can be understood as again blurring that distinction between biodiversity and biospecifics. One such framing equates biodiversity with all of nature. A focus on biodiversity as the collection of individual units/elements suggests that biodiversity covers so many individual elements that it more or less can be equated with biotic nature. An ecological/ecosystem framing of biodiversity expands this further biodiversity may be interpreted as including not only the many individual elements but also all their ecological interactions, and associated processes. These expanded perspectives, focused on elements and their interactions, create a risk that we may miss the opportunity to properly consider both values of nature/ecology and the values associated with biodiversity-as-variety.
On the study of biodiversity,Conservation biology has emerged as a true scientific discipline and has succeeded in providing an understanding of many of the underpinnings of the field, including effects of pollution on populations of plants and animals, how to approach restoration of various habitats, how to manage endangered species, and many other topics too numerous to mention. Conservation biology has done well in developing the science of understanding individual species in their habitat, performing spatial scale analyses of individuals, and modeling their activity within the landscape.
Important direct drivers affecting biodiversity are habitat change, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution.Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to biodiversity on Earth today and in fact it is the second largest threat to our existence on this planet next to Climate Change.Human activities such as urban development degrade or completely eradicate areas on which species depend for food and shelter.Habitat loss can also take the form of night lighting; this unnatural condition removes habitat for most animals, birds and even fish and especially from LED lights which mimic daytime spectrums. Even plants will not respire under LED lights. Undue noise levels from industry and fireworks can also alter nigh-time habitats and sleeping patterns of wildlife.Sidden changes in the climate temperature can cause habitat loss.Long term climate changes , increasing the temperature of earth causes global warming which affects biodiversity. Natural events such as storms, forest fires, floods, and droughts also have the potential to alter or eradicate habitats. And while these events are natural occurrences, overall, or until recently, they do not compare to the losses caused by human activities- and yet they are also amplified as a result of climate change- a phenomenon aggravated by human activities.Pollution also includes the release of effluents from industrial and agricultural processes into the natural environment.
Biodiversity supports human and societal needs, including food and nutrition security, energy, development of medicines and pharmaceuticals and freshwater, which together underpin good health. It also supports economic opportunities, and leisure activities that contribute to overall wellbeing.Biodiversity is essential for all living beings on earth.Change and conservation are increasingly in the hands of the people rather than governments. Therefore, it is our responsibility to do protect nature.
( Insecurities that keep on knocking now and then)
You are more than those scars, I know you find them bizarre but try to embrace them at least for once because you are worthy enough to touch the stars.
You are more than those stretch marks, Just embrace them like tigress marks and enlighten that spark.
You are more than that cellulite, I know you are trying hard to win that inner fight.
It is hard to win that fight! I know, but remember that once you win this fight you’ll rise with a different glow.
Just start loving yourself beyond those scars, Why? Because you are worthy enough to touch the stars.
Demography is the study of human population dynamics. Population is shaped by a number of factors including fertility, mortality, migration and urbanization. Significant demographic changes have been shown in many parts of the world. The world population growth has been decelerating since 1970s. Fertility rates in more developed countries (MDCs) have been showing a declining trend, whereas an increasing one in the less developed countries (LDCs). Mortality rates have gone down in both MDCs and LDCs due to medical advancement. Consequently, the population of the countries with low fertility rates aged more quickly, and the world population growth will be concentrated in those developing countries where fertility rates remain high. Uneven population growth among nations accelerated the migration of people across nation borders and the growth of cities. The changes of these interrelated factors with their causes and problems of each of the factors will be discussed, followed by some possible plans and opportunities that may benefit from these changes.Human birth rate (natality) is the fertility expressed as the average number of live births per thousand populations per year. Since not all age groups in a population have equal fertility, demographers often use more specialized measures of birth rates that relate to age groups.Human mortality rate is the average number of individuals who die per thousand populations per year.
Again, demographers often use more sensitive measures, for different mortality rates. Both the very young and the very old segments of the population have higher mortality rates than are found in other age groups.Human population shows uneven or clumping pattern of distribution on earth. The density of human population in a village, district, city, province, country or any area can be obtained by dividing the total number of persons living in the given region by the total land area of that region.The average number of people per square unit of land area tells us how dense or sparse is the population in a giver, area. The average population density of the world is calculated about 27 persons per square kilometre.insurance agents to determine life insurance rates.
These early demographic studies were mostly concerned with mortality. However, in the 19th century, studies showed that there was a decline in the number of births, and researchers began to study fertility as well as mortality. These studies led to the idea of “differential fertility.” Differential fertility suggests that different groups within a population have different numbers of children due to factors, such as religion, cultural attitudes, poverty, and employment. Migration of people is the last main factor in demographic studies. It is these three variables (mortality, fertility, and migration) that contribute to population change.Demographers gather data mainly through government censuses and government registries of births and deaths. However, these sources can be inaccurate depending on the precision of government records. Demographers also gather data indirectly through surveying smaller groups within a population. These samples are then examined using statistical models to draw conclusions about the whole population.
Demography is changing us as we are older societies, we’re living longer. How the generations balance each other out, how that affects education and health care.
The spiritual teachings in today’s life were not getting much attention in people’s minds. Everything man wished for was manifested by God, but without faith in God we feel better in our well-being but the result was violence. Peace is a gift of God when we want peace in our life, we should get into spiritual worship to god.
There are so many scientific proofs there about trust in spiritual powers. we will feel better when we are on that frequency of spiritual power. All the things around us came from that power.
The real thing that matters is when we are going ahead in life, all our sins will become come back to us without any doubt. What a man gives out will gradually come back to his own life. There are so many incidents to prove that our faith will keep up with our existence. Faith Faith Faith, everything belongs to faith.
We often find ourselves asking whether purchasing insurance policies is really that important? What do we stand to lose if we do not buy insurance policy of any kind? By purchasing an insurance cover, one can not only protect one’s family from unforeseen situations financially but can also ensure that the goal of the family is not compromised and life goes. Most insurances offer several sub-plans under different conditions. we should read the policy very carefully.
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