The process of decolonization, which started in the late 18th century and lasted until the majority of the 20th century, is intricate and multifaceted. Decolonization is essentially the process by which former colonial powers handed over authority of their overseas possessions and conferred independence to the colonized populations. The roots of decolonization can be traced back to the late 18th century, when Enlightenment thinkers began to question the legitimacy of imperialism and colonialism. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant argued that all human beings had the right to self-determination, and that no one group had the right to dominate another. This idea helped to lay the groundwork for later anti-colonial movements.
The first major wave of decolonization occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as European powers began to relinquish control over their colonies in the Americas. The United States gained independence from Britain in 1776, and many Latin American countries gained their independence in the early 19th century. However, these early decolonization efforts were often driven by elite, Western-educated intellectuals, rather than by popular movements.
The 20th century saw a much broader and more diverse wave of decolonization, as colonial powers began to lose control over their overseas territories in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This process was driven by a variety of factors, including nationalist movements, anti-colonial struggles, and global geopolitical shifts.
One of the key factors driving decolonization was the rise of nationalism in colonized countries. As people in these countries began to develop a sense of national identity and pride, they also began to demand greater political autonomy and self-determination. This often took the form of protests, strikes, and other forms of mass mobilization. One of the most important early decolonization movements was the Indian independence movement, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Beginning in the early 20th century, Indians began to demand greater autonomy from British rule, and the movement eventually culminated in India’s independence in 1947. This in turn inspired other anti-colonial movements across Asia and Africa.
Another key factor driving decolonization was the changing global balance of power. Following World War II, the United States emerged as a global superpower, and the Soviet Union emerged as a major rival. Both of these powers were opposed to colonialism, and they provided political and material support to anti-colonial movements around the world.
The process of decolonization was not without its challenges, however. In some cases, colonial powers were reluctant to grant independence to their former colonies, and they often resisted efforts to do so. This led to violent conflicts in many countries, as nationalist movements fought against colonial powers and their local allies. One of the most dramatic examples of this violence occurred in Algeria, where the Algerian National Liberation Front fought a long and bloody war against French colonial forces. The conflict, which lasted from 1954 to 1962, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and ultimately led to Algerian independence.
Other countries, such as Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, also experienced prolonged and violent struggles for independence. In some cases, such as in South Africa, decolonization was accompanied by intense social and political upheaval, as newly independent countries struggled to establish stable political systems and address long-standing social and economic inequalities.
Despite these challenges, however, the process of decolonization ultimately led to the creation of many new, independent nations around the world. Today, there are more than 190 sovereign states, many of which were formerly colonized territories.
The spread of European countries as well as Russia and the Ottoman Empire into various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, were characteristics of colonization in the 18th century. By military force, trade, and diplomacy, these empires frequently strove to enlarge their holdings and spread their influence around the world. Violence, exploitation, and the imposing of European culture and ideals on native populations were frequently part of the colonization process. The British colonization of India, which started in earnest in the middle of the 1800s, was one notable event of the century. A trading post for the British East India Company was established in Calcutta in 1690, but it wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that they started to exert their dominance over most of the subcontinent. By the beginning of the 19th century, the British had gained control of the majority of India through a strategy that combined military conquest with alliances with regional tsars.
Colonization of North America
Another significant event of the 18th century was the colonization of North America by European powers. The British, French, and Spanish all established colonies in the region, and there were numerous conflicts between these powers as they competed for control of the continent. The British ultimately emerged as the dominant power, and their colonies eventually became the United States of America.
Rise of New Colonial Powers
The 19th century saw the growth of new colonial powers like the United States and Japan as well as the continuation of the expansion of European colonial empires. An important development at this time was the “scramble for Africa,” in which European powers split up the continent among themselves. Almost the whole continent of Africa was under European rule by the early 20th century when the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 codified the split of the continent. Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines were colonized by Europeans during the nineteenth century. The British colonized Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific, and the United States seized Hawaii.
The colonized regions saw significant economic, political, and social effects of colonialism. Colonial powers typically used the resources they plundered from the colonies for their own industrial expansion. Africa was the source of raw materials like rubber, ivory, diamonds, and gold, while India provided textiles, tea, and spices. The economies of the colonized areas suffered long-term effects from this resource exploitation. Moreover, colonial powers frequently imposed their own political systems on the colonies through the installation of puppet administrations or direct colonial domination. In Africa, European powers drew arbitrary borders that disregarded pre-existing ethnic and linguistic divisions, while the British established a centralized bureaucracy and legal system that is still in use today in India.
Socially, colonialism had a profound impact on the colonized populations, often leading to the imposition of European cultural norms and values. This was particularly true in Africa, where missionaries often played a role in spreading Christianity and European culture. The introduction of European languages also had a lasting impact, as many former colonies continue to use the language of their former colonizers as an official language.
Decline of Colonial Rule
The 20th century saw the decline of colonial empires as nationalist movements in colonized countries sought independence. World War II was a major turning point, as it weakened the colonial powers and provided opportunities for nationalist movements to gain strength. India gained independence from Britain in 1947, and other countries soon followed. The process of decolonization was often fraught with conflict and violence, as colonial powers sought to maintain their control and nationalist movements struggled to assert their independence. In some cases, such as Algeria and Vietnam, the struggle for independence involved prolonged wars and significant loss of life.
Today, the legacy of colonization can still be seen in many parts of the world. The borders of many countries were drawn by colonial powers, often without regard for local populations or historical realities. The exploitation of natural resources and labor during the colonial period has also had long-lasting effects on many countries’ economies and social structures.
In conclusion, colonization since the 18th century was a complex and often violent process that had a profound impact on the world. The legacy of colonization is still felt today, and understanding this history is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the world in the 21st century.
Across the world, the 18th century saw a lot of change and upheaval. Political and social change occurred during this period, which was characterised by important events as the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the redrawing of international borders. The direction of world history and the way that countries and regions evolved in the centuries that followed were significantly influenced by these events and similar ones.
One of the most significant events of the 18th century was the Seven Years’ War, which was fought between 1756 and 1763. This global conflict involved many major European powers, including Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia, and resulted in significant territorial changes around the world. One of the most notable outcomes of the war was the transfer of several French colonies in North America to Great Britain, including Canada and the territory that would become the United States.
The American Revolution
It took place between 1775 and 1783, was another major event of the 18th century that had a profound impact on the course of world history. This war between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies led to the establishment of the United States as an independent nation and the redrawing of the boundaries of North America. The American Revolution also inspired other movements for independence and self-determination around the world, including in Latin America.
The French Revolution
It began in 1789 and lasted until 1799, was another transformative event of the 18th century. This period of political and social upheaval in France had profound effects on the country’s borders and on the wider European continent. The French Revolutionary Wars, which began in 1792, resulted in the expansion of French territory and the creation of new client states, while the Napoleonic Wars that followed led to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and the redrawing of European boundaries.
Partitions of Poland
One of the most significant events of this period was the Partition of Poland, which took place between 1772 and 1795. This was a series of three partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by the neighboring powers of Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The partitions resulted in the disappearance of Poland as a sovereign state and the annexation of its territory by its neighbors. This event had a profound impact on the history of Poland and the surrounding region and set the stage for future conflicts and tensions.
The Congress of Vienna
It took place in 1815, was another important event of the 18th century that had a significant impact on the course of world history. This international conference was held after the Napoleonic Wars to redraw the political map of Europe and establish a new balance of power. The Congress resulted in the restoration of many of the pre-Napoleonic monarchies and the creation of new nation-states, including Belgium and the Netherlands. This event had a profound impact on the political and social landscape of Europe and helped to shape the course of world history in the years that followed.
Overall, the 18th century was a period of great change and transformation around the world. The redrawing of national boundaries was a major theme of this period, as nations and empires vied for power and influence in a rapidly changing world. The events of this century had a profound impact on the course of world history and set the stage for many of the political and social tensions that continue to exist today. From the American Revolution to the French Revolution to the Partition of Poland, the 18th century was a time of great upheaval and transformation that helped to shape the course of world history for centuries to come.
Since the 18th century, there have been a number of significant wars, including the Seven Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II. Global history, politics, and economics have all been significantly impacted by these battles.
The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763)
The Seven Years’ War was a global conflict fought between 1756 and 1763, primarily between Great Britain and France, but involving several other European powers, including Austria, Prussia, Spain, and Portugal. The war began as a struggle for control of North America and India, but it eventually spread to Europe, Africa, and the Philippines. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which saw Britain emerge as the dominant colonial power in North America and India. One of the major causes of the Seven Years’ War was the competition between Britain and France for global dominance. The two countries had been bitter rivals for centuries, and their struggles for power had frequently led to armed conflicts. In the 18th century, this rivalry intensified as both nations expanded their colonial empires and sought to control trade routes and resources around the world. Another major cause of the Seven Years’ War was the emergence of Prussia as a powerful military state in Europe. Prussia’s leader, Frederick the Great, sought to increase his country’s influence and territory by aligning with Britain and attacking France. This led to a wider conflict involving several other European powers.
The Crimean War (1853-1856)
The Crimean War (1853-1856) was fought between Russia and an alliance of France, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire. The war was caused by Russia’s desire to expand its influence in the Balkans and the Ottoman Empire’s declining power. The war resulted in Russia’s defeat and the establishment of a new balance of power in Europe. The war also marked the beginning of modern warfare, with the use of new weapons such as rifles, steamships, and railroads.
The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) was fought between France and Prussia and led to the unification of Germany. The war was caused by a series of diplomatic and territorial disputes between the two powers. The war resulted in France’s defeat, the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany, and the establishment of the German Empire. The war also marked the end of French dominance in Europe and the beginning of German power.
The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts fought primarily between France and a coalition of European powers, including Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. The wars were caused by the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who seized power in France and sought to extend his influence across Europe. The wars ended with Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and the restoration of the bourbon monarchy in France. The Napoleonic Wars had a profound impact on Europe, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes. The wars saw the rise of nationalism and the decline of the old European order, as many countries gained independence and sovereignty. The wars also led to the spread of democratic ideals and the rise of liberalism, as people sought greater individual rights and freedoms.
World War I (1914-1918)
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was one of the deadliest wars in history, causing the deaths of millions of people and reshaping the political and social landscape of Europe. The causes of the war were complex, but can be traced back to a combination of factors, including nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and the complex system of alliances that existed among the major powers of Europe. These tensions came to a head in June 1914, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. This event triggered a series of diplomatic crises and military mobilizations that ultimately led to the outbreak of war. The war was fought primarily in Europe, but also involved theaters of war in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It was characterized by trench warfare, where soldiers dug in and fought from elaborate systems of trenches and fortifications. The war also saw the use of new and advanced technologies, such as machine guns, tanks, and poison gas.
The war was a brutal and bloody conflict that exacted a heavy toll on all sides. Millions of soldiers and civilians were killed, wounded, or displaced, and entire cities and landscapes were destroyed. The war also had a profound impact on the social and political structures of Europe, leading to the collapse of empires and the rise of new nations. One of the key turning points in the war was the entry of the United States on the side of the Allies in 1917. The US brought significant economic and military resources to the conflict and helped to turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. The war ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne, which ended the fighting on the Western Front.
The peace settlement that followed the war was dominated by the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919. The treaty imposed heavy penalties on Germany, including the payment of large reparations, the loss of territory, and restrictions on its military capabilities. The treaty helped set the stage for World War II, as many Germans felt humiliated by the treaty and sought to reverse its terms. The war had far-reaching consequences that shaped the course of the 20th century. It led to the collapse of several empires, including the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian empires, and the emergence of new nation-states. It also paved the way for the rise of totalitarian regimes, such as those in Russia, Germany, and Italy, that would dominate the political landscape of Europe in the interwar years.
The war also had a profound impact on society and culture. It shattered traditional notions of heroism and glory and led to a sense of disillusionment and cynicism among many people. The war also led to significant advances in medicine and technology, as doctors and engineers developed new treatments for injuries and disabilities caused by the war.
World War II (1939-1945)
World War II was one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts in human history, fought between 1939 and 1945. The war involved the majority of the world’s nations, including all of the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies (primarily composed of the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain) and the Axis (primarily composed of Germany, Japan, and Italy). The immediate cause of World War II was the invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939. This act violated the agreement signed between the two nations, and the subsequent declaration of war by France and Great Britain resulted in the beginning of a conflict that would ultimately claim the lives of millions of people. The war quickly spread to other parts of Europe, with Germany conquering much of the continent in the first two years of the war. The Axis Powers also expanded their territories in Asia, with Japan’s aggressive expansion into China and Southeast Asia.
The tide of the war began to turn in 1942, when the Soviet Union repelled a major German invasion and began to push the German army back toward Germany. The entry of the United States into the war following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor also tipped the balance of power in favor of the Allies. By 1944, the Allies had landed in Italy and were launching a massive invasion of German-occupied France. The war in Europe came to an end in May 1945, when Germany surrendered to the Allies. The war in the Pacific continued until August of that year, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of the war. The consequences of World War II were profound and far-reaching. The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 70-85 million people, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. It also caused immense physical and economic damage, particularly in Europe and Asia.
The war also had significant political consequences, leading to the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers and the beginning of the Cold War. The war also marked the end of colonial empires, with many former colonies gaining independence in the aftermath of the war. One of the most significant consequences of World War II was the Holocaust, the systematic murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. The Holocaust had a profound impact on Jewish communities around the world and led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
World Wars were devastating conflicts that had profound consequences for the world. It resulted in the deaths of millions of people, caused immense physical and economic damage, and had significant political and social consequences. Its legacy continues to shape the world today, reminding us of the need to work towards peace and understanding among nations.
By inventing new forms of production and substituting manual labor with machines, the Industrial Revolution, which started in Great Britain in the 18th century and extended to the rest of the world, drastically altered civilizations and economies. Industrialization has had a profound and complicated impact on society, having both beneficial and negative impacts. The Industrial Revolution was a time of unprecedented economic growth and technological innovation, fueled by a combination of scientific discoveries, political stability, and economic competition. This period saw the rise of new technologies like the steam engine, the cotton gin, and the power loom, which revolutionized manufacturing and led to the creation of new industries. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society was enormous, as it led to significant changes in social and economic structures, as well as changes in cultural attitudes and values. The Industrial Revolution also had a profound impact on the natural environment, as it led to the development of new methods of resource extraction and the exploitation of natural resources on an unprecedented scale.
The Rise of Industrialization in Britain
The Industrial Revolution was driven by a combination of scientific advancements, political stability, and economic competition. One of the key factors that contributed to the rise of industrialization in Britain was the availability of coal and iron, which were essential raw materials for the new machines that were being developed. The development of new technologies like the steam engine, which was invented by James Watt in 1765, helped to fuel the growth of industrialization in Britain. The steam engine was used to power textile mills, which allowed for the mass production of textiles and clothing. This led to the growth of the textile industry, which became one of the driving forces behind the Industrial Revolution. It also saw the rise of new forms of transportation, including the steam locomotive and the steamship. These innovations helped to connect different parts of Britain and made it easier to transport goods and raw materials across long distances.
The Impact of Industrialization on Society
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on society, as it led to significant changes in social and economic structures, as well as changes in cultural attitudes and values. One of the most significant effects of industrialization was the growth of cities and urbanization. As factories and other industries were established, people moved from rural areas to urban centers in search of employment. This led to the development of large cities and the growth of new urban communities, which contributed to the emergence of new social classes and the formation of new political and economic systems. However, urbanization also brought about a range of social problems, including poor living conditions, overcrowding, and the spread of disease. Another significant impact of industrialization was the rise of capitalism as the dominant economic system. The growth of industry and commerce created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, who established new businesses and corporations. This led to the emergence of a capitalist class, which accumulated wealth and power, and the rise of wage labor, in which workers sold their labor to capitalists in exchange for a wage. This new economic system had both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it stimulated economic growth, created new jobs, and led to technological innovations that improved people’s lives. On the other hand, it also led to the exploitation of workers, the widening of economic inequality, and the environmental degradation.
It also had an impact on social relations and cultural norms, as people migrated to cities and became part of the new industrial workforce, traditional social structures and relationships were disrupted. The rise of factories and wage labor led to the decline of craft-based production and the erosion of artisanal skills. This, in turn, contributed to the erosion of traditional values and cultural practices. At the same time, industrialization facilitated the spread of new cultural forms, such as mass-produced literature, music, and other forms of entertainment.
The Impact of Industrialization on the Environment
The Industrial Revolution had a major impact on the natural environment, as it led to the development of new technologies of resource extraction and the exploitation of natural resources on an unprecedented scale. For instance, the expansion of the coal and iron industries resulted in the depletion of natural resources as well as air and water pollution. The growth of urbanization also led to the degradation of the natural environment, as cities became increasingly crowded and polluted. The use of coal as a primary energy source also led to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributed to global warming and climate change. Fossil fuels were heavily utilized as a result of increased trade and industry, which harmed the environment by polluting the air and water and destroying natural habitats. Similar effects on the environment were caused by the rise of industrial agriculture and the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, such as soil deterioration, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
The Spread of Industrialization
One of the key factors that contributed to the spread of industrialization was the availability of natural resources, such as coal, iron, and timber. These resources were essential for the development of new machines and technologies, and they were often found in abundance in other parts of Europe and North America. For example, the growth of the steel industry in the United States was driven by the abundance of iron ore and coal in the Great Lakes region.
Another factor that contributed to the spread of industrialization was the development of new technologies. Many of the key innovations of the Industrial Revolution, such as the steam engine and the power loom, were quickly adopted in other parts of Europe and North America. This was facilitated by the growth of international trade and the exchange of ideas and information between different countries. The growth of international trade was another factor that contributed to the spread of industrialization. As new industries developed in Britain, they created a demand for raw materials and finished goods from other parts of the world. This led to the growth of international trade, which facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between different countries.
On society and the economy in other regions of Europe and North America, industrialization had a significant impact. It resulted in the expansion of new industries, such as the steel industry in the United States and the textile industry in France, which produced new jobs and economic prospects. The spread also led to significant changes in social and economic structures. In many cases, it led to the growth of new urban centers, as people flocked to cities in search of work in the new factories and mills. This led to the growth of new social classes, including the working class and the middle class, which had a significant impact on politics and culture in these regions.
Several regions of Europe and North America also experienced significant environmental damage as a result of the development of industrialization. As new businesses grew, they frequently resulted in the loss of natural resources as well as air and water pollution. For instance, France’s expanding textile sector contributed significantly to water pollution because companies dumped effluent into rivers and streams.
Overall, a number of variables, such as the accessibility of natural resources, the advancement of new technology, and the expansion of international trade, contributed to the spread of industrialisation. While it contributed to rapid economic growth and scientific advancement, it also had a substantial negative influence on society and the environment. It also presented new opportunities and challenges for people all over the world.
A pivotal moment in Indian history occurred when the country became independent from British rule in 1947. After decades of foreign rule, the country was left with the tremendous task of uniting and reforming the nation. Political, economic, and social aspects together make up the three major spheres of India’s consolidation and reorganization following independence.
Political Consolidation
The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th January 1950, and India became a republic, with a federal system of government. The constitution provided for a parliamentary system of government with a President as the head of the state. The Constitution also provided for a bicameral legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (The first general elections were held in 1952, and the Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, won a massive victory. The Congress party dominated Indian politics for several decades, and Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of India until his death in 1964. The Congress party played a crucial role in consolidating the country after independence by building a strong central government, ensuring the unity and integrity of the nation, and promoting economic development.The Indian Constitution also provided for the creation of states based on linguistic and cultural identity. This policy of linguistic reorganization was a significant step in consolidating the country as it helped to resolve many linguistic and regional conflicts. In 1956, the States Reorganization Act was passed, which created states based on linguistic and cultural identity. This act led to the creation of 14 states and six union territories. The reorganization of states helped to promote regional development and cultural identity.
Economic Consolidation
India’s economy was in shambles when it gained independence in 1947. The country faced many economic challenges, including low per capita income, high poverty levels, and inadequate infrastructure. The government took several measures to consolidate and reorganize the economy, including land reforms, industrialization, and the development of the agricultural sector. Land reforms were introduced to redistribute land from the wealthy landlords to the landless peasants. This policy helped to promote social justice and reduce inequality. The government also encouraged industrialization to promote economic growth and development. The Industrial Policy Resolution was passed in 1948, which aimed to develop heavy industries, such as steel, cement, and machine tools. The government also focused on the development of the agricultural sector. The Green Revolution, which started in the 1960s, was a significant step towards achieving food self-sufficiency. The government provided farmers with high-yielding seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities. The Green Revolution helped to increase agricultural production, reduce hunger, and promote economic growth.
Social Consolidation
Constitutional guarantees: The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, provided several guarantees for women’s rights, including equality before law, non-discrimination on the basis of sex, and the right to freedom and personal liberty.
Women’s suffrage: In 1950, India granted women the right to vote and contest in elections. This helped to increase their political participation and representation in the country.
Legal reforms: The post-independence period saw several legal reforms aimed at improving the status of women. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, for instance, provided for the first time, women’s right to divorce and inherit property. The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 sought to curb the practice of dowry, which had been a major source of harassment and violence against women.
Educational opportunities: The government introduced several measures to increase educational opportunities for girls and women, such as the establishment of women’s universities, colleges, and scholarships for female students.
Employment opportunities: The post-independence period saw a significant increase in employment opportunities for women. The government introduced several affirmative action policies, such as reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, to promote women’s participation in the workforce.
Women’s movements: The post-independence period also saw the emergence of several women’s movements aimed at addressing issues such as violence against women, gender discrimination, and reproductive rights. These movements played a crucial role in raising awareness about women’s issues and advocating for their rights.
The challenges that the Indian government faced was to reorganize the country’s administrative and political structure to meet the aspirations of the diverse population. India’s post-independence period was characterized by a strong central government that wielded considerable power over the states. However, this model was not sustainable in the long run as it failed to address the regional disparities and the demands for greater autonomy. The Indian government’s response to these challenges was to embark on a process of reorganization that aimed to create states on linguistic lines. The idea was to create states that would cater to the linguistic and cultural aspirations of the people and promote regional development. The first linguistic state, Andhra Pradesh, was created in 1953, and this was followed by the creation of several other states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The process of reorganization culminated in 1987 with the creation of three new states, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa, bringing the total number of states in India to 28.
The reorganization of the country had several benefits. It gave voice to the linguistic and cultural aspirations of the people and promoted regional development. It also helped to address the problem of regional disparities and gave the states greater autonomy to manage their affairs. However, it also had some negative consequences. The creation of new states led to demands for further fragmentation, which could weaken the unity and integrity of the country. Overall, India’s post-independence period witnessed significant efforts towards social consolidation and reorganization, with a particular focus on women’s rights and status. While there have been significant improvements, there is still much work to be done to ensure gender equality and empower women in India.
In conclusion, India’s post-independence consolidation and reorganization were critical to the country’s progress and development. The consolidation of the princely states and the strengthening of the defense capabilities helped to secure the country’s territorial integrity. The reorganization of the country on linguistic lines helped to address the regional disparities and gave voice to the linguistic and cultural aspirations of the people. However, the process of reorganization also had some negative consequences, and the challenge for India’s leaders is to strike a delicate balance between unity and diversity.
A fascinating and intricate topic, modern Indian history from the middle of the eighteenth century to the present spans more than two centuries of India’s rich cultural, social, economic, and political history. As India progressively transitioned from a colonial past to an independent nation-state, this time period saw tremendous changes in the social, political, and economic environment of the country.
British Colonial Rule (1757-1947)
India was colonized by the British East India Company in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey. The British gradually expanded their control over India until the country was formally ruled by the British Crown from 1858 to 1947. This period was marked by the exploitation of Indian resources, the introduction of Western education, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and the emergence of Indian nationalism.
Indian National Movement (1885-1947)
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 with the goal of achieving self-rule for India. Prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose played a significant role in the movement. The movement gained momentum with the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, and India finally gained independence from British rule in 1947.
Partition of India (1947)
India was partitioned into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947, following communal violence and political unrest. This event led to the displacement of millions of people and marked the beginning of a long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan.
Post-Independence India
It was marked by the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru’s socialist policies focused on central planning and state-led development. Land reforms, which aimed to redistribute land from wealthy landlords to landless peasants, were implemented during his tenure. Nehru also established institutions of higher education, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Management. Nehru’s foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment. India did not align with any major power bloc during the Cold War and played a significant role in the Non-Aligned Movement. Indira Gandhi, Nehru’s daughter, succeeded him as Prime Minister in 1966. Gandhi was a dynamic leader who pursued a socialist economic agenda and implemented policies such as nationalization of banks and industries. Her government was marked by authoritarian tendencies, and the period of Emergency from 1975-1977 was a significant event in Indian history. During the Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, political opposition was suppressed, and the press was censored. The period was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including forced sterilization programs. The post-Emergency period saw the rise of regional parties and the decline of the Congress party’s dominance in Indian politics. The 1990s saw the rise of The Bhartiya Janta Party. The BJP’s most significant electoral victory came in 2014 when Narendra Modi, a former chief minister of Gujarat, was elected as Prime Minister. Modi’s government has pursued a range of policies including the Citizenship Amendment Act, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighbouring countries.
India’s Wars and Conflicts
India has been involved in several wars and conflicts since independence. The Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971, the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and the Kargil War of 1999 are some of the major conflicts that have shaped India’s modern history.
Economic Liberalization (1991-present)
The Indian economy underwent significant changes in the early 1990s when the government of P.V. Narasimha Rao initiated a process of economic liberalization. The liberalization program aimed to reduce government control over the economy and promote private sector growth. The reforms included measures such as the reduction of import tariffs, deregulation of industries, and privatization of state-owned enterprises. The economic liberalization program had a significant impact on the Indian economy, leading to an increase in foreign investment, a rise in GDP growth, and the emergence of a new middle class. However, the liberalization program also led to increasing income inequality and the marginalization of certain sections of society.
Contemporary Issues
India continues to face various contemporary issues such as corruption, communalism, casteism, terrorism, and environmental degradation. The country is also grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact.
In conclusion, a number of important incidents, people, and problems have shaped contemporary Indian history and will continue to have an effect on how the nation develops. Conflicts with its neighbours, the fight for independence, the division of the country, economic liberalization, and other factors have all had a significant impact on India’s modern history.
Indian colonial rule was overthrown after a protracted and difficult struggle for freedom. It started in the late 19th century and continued until 1947, when India attained independence. Many rallies, marches, and acts of civil disobedience were part of the movement, and all were directed towards bringing about India’s independence. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, commonly referred to as the Indian Mutiny, is the beginning of the Indian freedom fight. Widespread resistance to British authority was sparked by a number of grievances, including the imposition of British laws, excessive taxes, and the theft of Indian resources. Although the British brutally put down the revolt, it was a driving force behind the Indian independence movement.
One of the key figures in the Indian freedom struggle was Mahatma Gandhi. He was a leader of the Indian National Congress, and he advocated for non-violent resistance as a means of achieving independence. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance, known as Satyagraha, inspired many Indians to join the struggle for independence. Gandhi’s famous Salt March in 1930, in which he and his followers walked 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt in defiance of British salt taxes, is one of the most iconic events of the Indian independence movement.
Another important figure in the Indian freedom struggle was Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the first Prime Minister of independent India. Nehru was a leader of the Indian National Congress, and he worked tirelessly to achieve independence for India. He was also a strong advocate for democracy and secularism, and his vision for India was one of a modern, democratic, and secular nation.
The Indian freedom struggle was marked by many important events, including the Partition of India in 1947, which resulted in the creation of Pakistan. The partition was a deeply divisive event that resulted in the displacement of millions of people and the loss of countless lives.
The Indian freedom struggle can be divided into several phases, each marked by a distinct set of events, movements, and leaders. These phases are as follows:
The Early Nationalists (1857-1905)
The early nationalist phase of the Indian freedom struggle was marked by the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which is also known as the First War of Indian Independence. Although the rebellion failed, it laid the groundwork for the nationalist movement that followed. The early nationalists were a diverse group of people who shared a common goal of achieving independence from British rule. Some of the prominent leaders of this phase were Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
The Extremists (1905-1918)
The extremist phase of the Indian freedom struggle was marked by the rise of the Indian National Congress and the emergence of a more militant form of nationalism. The Extremists, also known as the Swadeshi Movement, advocated for complete independence from British rule and launched several protests, boycotts, and agitations to achieve this goal. Some of the prominent leaders of this phase were Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
The Gandhian Era (1919-1947)
The Gandhian era of the Indian freedom struggle is perhaps the most well-known phase of the struggle. Mahatma Gandhi, who was a key figure in this phase, advocated for non-violent civil disobedience and launched several mass movements to achieve India’s independence. The Salt Satyagraha, the Quit India Movement, and the Non-Cooperation Movement are some of the most significant movements of this era. Other prominent leaders of this phase were Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
The Post-Independence Era (1947-Present)
The post-independence era of the Indian freedom struggle saw India gain independence from British rule in 1947. This phase was marked by the challenges of nation-building, including the partition of India and the integration of princely states. The post-independence era also saw the emergence of new challenges, such as poverty, illiteracy, and communal tensions. Some of the prominent leaders of this phase were Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.
Throughout the freedom struggle, there were several important contributors and contributions from different parts of the country. In Bengal, leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Surendranath Banerjee played a significant role in the nationalist movement. In Punjab, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and Udham Singh were important contributors to the freedom struggle. In Maharashtra, leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale played a significant role in the nationalist movement. In South India, leaders like C. Rajagopalachari, K. Kamaraj, and S. Satyamurthy played important roles in the freedom struggle. In the Northeast, leaders like Rani Gaidinliu and Tirot Sing played significant roles in the nationalist movement. In Kerala, leaders like K. Kelappan, T. K. Madhavan, and A. K. Gopalan played important roles in the freedom struggle.
In conclusion, today, India is a vibrant and diverse democracy, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The Indian freedom struggle was a long and difficult journey, but it ultimately succeeded in achieving independence for India and paving the way for the country’s future as a democratic and secular nation.
The body of literary works in the English language, such as novels, short tales, poetry, plays, and essays, is known as English literature. It has a lengthy and rich history that spans several centuries and has made a substantial contribution to the intellectual and cultural heritage of the English-speaking world. It has through various stages of growth, each with its own aesthetic, philosophical concerns, and literary strategies. The Medieval period, the Renaissance period, the Restoration period, the Romantic period, the Victorian era, and the Modernism era are among them. Some of the most renowned writers in English literature include William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, and J.K. Rowling, among others. Their works continue to be widely read and studied today and are considered classics of the literary canon.
English literature is not only important for its literary value, but also for its insights into history, society, and culture. Through literature, readers can gain a better understanding of the world around them, as well as the human condition and the complexities of the human experience. It is a vast and diverse field that has contributed significantly to the cultural and intellectual heritage of the English-speaking world. Spanning over several centuries, it encompasses a wide range of genres, styles, and themes, from the epic poetry of Beowulf to the modernist novels of Virginia Woolf. One of the defining features of English literature is its ability to reflect and respond to the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it was produced. From the medieval ballads and romances to the contemporary works of postcolonial writers, English literature offers a rich and complex tapestry of human experience that transcends time and place.
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE (11TH to 15TH CENTURY)
The earliest English literature dates back to the medieval period, which spans from the 11th to the 15th century. During this time, most literary works were written in Old English, a language that is very different from modern English. One of the most notable works from this period is the epic poem “Beowulf,” which tells the story of a heroic warrior who battles monsters and dragons. Other important works from the medieval period include the “Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer, a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, and the anonymous poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” which tells the story of a knight who must face supernatural challenges to uphold his honor.
RENAISSANCE LITERATURE (16TH CENTURY)
The Renaissance period, which began in the 16th century, marked a significant shift in English literature. This was a time of great intellectual and artistic growth, as writers began to explore new forms and styles of writing. One of the most significant figures of this era was William Shakespeare, whose plays continue to be performed and studied today. Shakespeare’s plays, including “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet,” explore complex themes such as love, power, and mortality, and are known for their masterful use of language and poetic imagery. Another important writer of the Renaissance period was John Milton, whose epic poem “Paradise Lost” tells the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace. Milton’s work is known for its complex themes and use of classical allusions and is considered one of the greatest works in the English language.
ROMANTIC LITERATURE (18TH to MID 19TH CENTURY)
The Romantic period, which began in the late 18th century, marked a return to emotion and imagination in literature. Romantic writers, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, were interested in exploring the natural world, individualism, and the power of the imagination. Their works, including Wordsworth’s “Lyrical Ballads” and Keats’s “Ode to a Nightingale,” are known for their beautiful language and vivid imagery.
VICTORIAN LITERATURE (MID 19TH CENTURY)
The Victorian era, which began in the mid-19th century, was a time of great social and cultural change. Many writers of this period, such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, explored issues related to class, gender, and morality. Dickens’s novels, such as “Oliver Twist” and “Great Expectations,” exposed the harsh realities of life in Victorian England, while Austen’s works, such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” explored the lives of women in a male-dominated society. The 20th century saw a great deal of experimentation and innovation in English literature. Modernist writers, such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, were interested in exploring the interior lives of their characters and experimenting with form and style. Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” and Joyce’s “Ulysses” are known for their complex narrative structures and stream-of-consciousness writing.
MODERNIST LITERATURE (EARLY 20TH CENTURY)
The Modernist period, which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was marked by a radical break with traditional forms and styles, as well as a deep sense of disillusionment and fragmentation. Some of the most notable writers of this period include Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and T.S. Eliot, who produced works that challenged conventional notions of narrative and language.
English literature has also been shaped by the diverse cultural influences of the English-speaking world. From the colonial literature of the Americas, Africa, and Asia to the postcolonial literature of the 20th century, English literature has been enriched by a wide range of perspectives and voices. In addition to its literary value, English literature offers insights into history, society, and culture. Through literature, readers can gain a better understanding of the world around them, as well as the complexities of the human experience. Whether exploring themes of love, loss, identity, or power, English literature offers a timeless and universal language that speaks to the human condition. English literature has also played a crucial role in shaping the English language itself. From the Anglo-Saxon chronicles to the modernist experiments of James Joyce, English literature has been instrumental in the development and evolution of the English language, as well as its global spread and influence. In conclusion, English literature is a vast and diverse field that continues to captivate and inspire.
Social media supports many businesses as well as society as a whole. It offers resources like social media marketing tools to connect with millions of potential customers. Using social media, we may easily access information and obtain news. Any social cause can benefit greatly from the usage of social media.
Social media in our society used in several ways.
they are:
1.Education .
2.Agriculture..
3.Business.
4.Entertainment.
In many ways social media used.
1.Education:
Teachers can use social media to connect with their peoples. even when they are not in the classroom. Students may access an infinite number of resources and texts from reliable sources by using social media platforms, which they can then use to their advantage in essays, projects, and presentations.
Students are inspired and encouraged to learn through the usage of social media platforms in the classroom. Major factors that contribute to educational progress include simple access to e-books, online notes, and learning through video conversations.
Advantages of social media in Education:
1.To learn new things for studying
2.Social media provides current information and updates to the students.
3.Increases connections among to the students.
4.Learn new skills to students
5.Improve Knowledge retention and understanding.
6.It builds a community for students.
7.Even Teachers are out of the station .They are communicate in online class room.
2.Agriculture:
Most farmers today use smartphones with internet and social media capabilities. Social media is being used by farmers to exchange information, novel techniques, etc. The most well-known social media sites for agricultural marketing. .The spread of various agricultural information is being greatly aided by social media in the agricultural sector. It aids in bridging the geographic gap that separates farmers in various locations.
Advantages of social media in Agriculture:
1.Advanced training provided by farmers on use of social media.
2.Farmers share there plans in groups by use of socil medioa.
3.create organic content.
4.Get knowledge about what type of crops are in fields.
Business:
Social media provides a venue for businesses to engage with their clients and establish a cherished relationship, making social media marketing a crucial component of digital marketing. It streamlines communication between brands and customers by cutting out the middlemen.
Advantages of social media in Business:
1.Develope the brand of our business.
2.Do market research and reduce marketing prices
3.Increase your market,international market business.
4.attract customers, get customer feedback and build customer loyalty.
5.Improve business ideas to develop business.
6.keep an eye for your competitors.
4.Entertainment:
In essence, social entertainment marketing may be used to describe any type of online content that is published or broadcast with the intention of entertaining its audience. Long or short-form videos, live streaming, and other types of content that promote a closer relationship between content producers and users are now popular trends.
The popular social media entertainment apps are You tube,face book,Whats app,Instagram,Twitter,Tiktok.
Advantages of social media on Entertainment:
1.Use of social media for promoting and advertising.
2.To watch movies on online OTT platforms.
3.Stress relief for entertaining apps.
4.stay update on local and global events.
5.Enjoy video games and films.
6.Wide range of availability.
Disadvantages of social media:
1.It addict the people.
2.Self image issues
3.Increasing of usage, The more time spent on social media can lead to social anxiety,depression and exposure content
that is not appropriate.
4.A fear of missing out can keep you returning to social media again and again.
5.Feeling inadequate about your life or your appearance.
Ocean currents play a crucial role in the distribution of heat, nutrients, and marine life throughout the world’s oceans. These currents are driven by a variety of forces, including wind, temperature, and the Earth’s rotation. Understanding these forces and how they influence ocean currents is essential to many industries, including the fishing industry. In this article, we will explore the forces that influence ocean currents and their role in the fishing industry around the world.
Ocean Currents
Forces that influence ocean currents:
1. Wind:
The wind is one of the primary forces that influence ocean currents. The wind creates surface currents, which are responsible for distributing heat and nutrients across the ocean. The wind also creates upwelling, which is the process by which deep, nutrient-rich water is brought to the surface. Upwelling is crucial to the fishing industry, as it provides an abundance of nutrients for marine life.
2. Temperature:
Temperature is another significant force that influences ocean currents. Warm water is less dense than cold water, so it tends to rise to the surface. This creates surface currents that move warm water away from the equator and towards the poles. Cold water, on the other hand, is dense than warm water and tends to sink. This creates deep ocean currents that move cold water toward the equator.
3. Salinity:
Salinity, or the concentration of salt in the water, is another important force that influences ocean currents. When water evaporates, it leaves behind salt, which increases the salinity of the water. This increases the water’s density, causing it to sink and creating deep ocean currents. Areas of high salinity, such as the Mediterranean Sea, can also create surface currents that move water toward areas of lower salinity.
4. The Earth’s rotation:
The Earth’s rotation also influences ocean currents. The Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth, causes moving objects, including ocean currents, to appear to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection causes ocean currents to move in a circular pattern, known as a gyre.
Role of ocean currents in the fishing industry:
Ocean currents play a crucial role in the fishing industry. The distribution of nutrients and marine life is influenced by ocean currents, which affect where fish are found and how abundant they are in different areas. Some of the most significant ways that ocean currents impact the fishing industry include:
1. Upwelling:
As mentioned earlier, upwelling is the process by which deep, nutrient-rich water is brought to the surface. This process is essential to the fishing industry, as it provides an abundance of nutrients for marine life. Areas of upwelling, such as the coasts of Peru and West Africa, are known for their rich fishing grounds.
2. Migration patterns:
Ocean currents also influence the migration patterns of fish. Some species of fish, such as salmon, are known to migrate long distances to reach their spawning grounds. Ocean currents can impact the timing and location of these migrations, which can affect the fishing industry’s ability to catch these fish.
3. Fishing locations:
Ocean currents also influence where fish are found. Areas with high nutrient concentrations, such as upwelling zones, tend to have more abundant fish populations. The Gulf Stream, for example, is known for its rich fishing grounds, particularly for tuna and swordfish.
4. Climate patterns:
Ocean currents also play a role in climate patterns. The movement of warm and cold water influences regional weather patterns, which can impact the fishing industry. Changes in ocean currents can also lead to changes in water temperature, which can affect the migration patterns and abundance of fish.
Conclusion:
In summary, the forces that influence ocean currents play a critical role in the fishing industry worldwide. Wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth’s rotation all contribute to the distribution of nutrients and marine life in the world’s oceans. Upwelling, migration patterns, fishing locations, and climate patterns are all impacted by ocean currents and affect the fishing industry’s ability to catch fish. Understanding these forces and their role in ocean currents is essential to the fishing industry’s sustainability and success. As we continue to study and monitor these forces, we can better manage and protect our oceans’ resources for future generations.
The Gupta and Chola periods are considered to be two of the most significant eras in Indian history, spanning over centuries and leaving an indelible mark on Indian heritage and culture. These periods were marked by numerous achievements and innovations, including art, architecture, literature, religion, and science. In this article, we will explore the main contributions of the Gupta and Chola periods to Indian heritage and culture.
Coins minted in both Gupta and Chola periods
The Gupta Period (320 CE-550 CE):
The Gupta period is known as the Golden Age of India. The period saw the rise of a centralized state, with strong rulers like Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II. The period was marked by numerous achievements in various fields, including art, literature, science, and religion.
1. Art and Architecture:
The Gupta period is known for its significant contributions to art and architecture. The period saw the development of the Gupta style of architecture, which is characterized by its elegant and intricate designs. The most notable examples of Gupta architecture are the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. These caves are adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.
Varaha, Udaigiri
2. Literature:
The Gupta period is also known for its contributions to literature. The period saw the development of several literary works in various languages, including Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Pali. The most notable literary works of the period include the plays of Kalidasa, the poetry of Bhartrihari, and the Buddhist texts of Ashvaghosha.
A story from the Mahabharata in Prakrit
3. Science and Mathematics:
The Gupta period saw significant advancements in science and mathematics. The most notable contribution of the period was the development of the decimal system, which is still used in modern mathematics. The period also saw the development of the concept of zero and the invention of the decimal place value system. The Gupta period was also marked by significant progress in medicine and astronomy.
Aryabhatta, was a famous mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta era.
The Chola Period (850 CE-1250 CE):
The Chola period is considered to be one of the most significant periods in South Indian history. The period saw the rise of the Chola dynasty, which ruled over a vast territory in South India. The Chola period was marked by numerous achievements in various fields, including art, architecture, literature, and religion.
1. Art and Architecture:
The Chola period is known for its significant contributions to art and architecture. The period saw the development of the Dravidian style of architecture, which is characterized by its intricate designs and richly ornamented sculptures. The most notable examples of Chola architecture are the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Brihadeeshwara Temple: Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Literature:
The Chola period is also known for its contributions to literature. The period saw the development of several literary works in the Tamil language, including the works of the Tamil poets Thiruvalluvar and Kambar. The most notable literary work of the period is the Thirukkural, a collection of 1,330 couplets that deal with various aspects of human life.
Inscription in Tamil
3. Religion:
The Chola period saw significant developments in religion, particularly in the Shaivism tradition. The period saw the construction of several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, including the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Chidambaram Temple. The period also saw the rise of the Bhakti movement, which emphasized the importance of devotion to God over rituals and ceremonies.
Shaivism in Chola Empire
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Gupta and Chola periods were marked by numerous achievements and innovations, including art, architecture, literature, religion, and science. The Gupta period saw the development of the Gupta style of architecture, significant advancements in science and mathematics, and the production of several literary works.
The term ‘sect’ refers to a group of people who share common beliefs, practices, and rituals that distinguish them from other groups. In Indian society, the concept of the sect has a significant role in shaping the social, cultural, and religious landscape. It is essential to analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society, vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion, to understand the dynamics of the social structure and its impact on individual and collective identity.
The Role of Sects in Indian Society:
Sects in Indian society are primarily organized around religious beliefs and practices. The Indian subcontinent has a diverse range of religious sects, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam, among others. These sects are further divided into sub-sects, each with its own distinct beliefs and practices. For instance, in Hinduism, there are several sects, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, Smartism, and others. Each sect has its own set of beliefs and practices, including the worship of specific deities, observance of specific rituals, and adherence to specific codes of conduct.
The salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society is closely intertwined with other social categories, such as caste, region, and religion. For instance, in Hinduism, caste and sect are closely linked, with each caste group having its own religious practices and beliefs. Similarly, in Islam, there are different sects, such as Sunni and Shia, each with its own set of beliefs and practices. Religion and region are also closely linked, with certain regions being associated with specific religious traditions. For instance, North India is primarily associated with Hinduism, while the South is associated with Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
The Impact of Sects on Social Identity:
The concept of the sect has a significant impact on social identity in Indian society. Individuals’ identification with a particular sect often determines their social status and the social groups they belong. In the Hindu caste system, one’s sect determines their caste, which, in turn, determines their occupation, social status, and access to resources. Similarly, in Islam, the sect one belongs to can have a significant impact on their social status and the social groups to which one belongs to.
The concept of the sect also impacts individual and collective identity formation. Individuals often identify themselves based on their sect, which shapes their religious beliefs, practices, and values. This, in turn, impacts their social interactions and relationships, as they tend to associate with individuals from the same sect. The concept of the sect also shapes collective identity formation, as individuals from the same sect often come together to form social and religious organizations that promote their shared beliefs and practices.
The Role of Sects in Inter-Group Relations:
The concept of the sect also plays a significant role in inter-group relations in Indian society. Sects often compete for resources and influence, leading to conflict and tensions between different sects. For instance, in Hinduism, there have been historical tensions between Shaivites and Vaishnavites, as both sects venerate different deities and have different beliefs and practices. Similarly, in Islam, there have been tensions between Sunni and Shia sects, as they have different beliefs and practices.
However, sects can also facilitate inter-group cooperation and solidarity. Individuals from the same sect often come together to support each other in times of need and form social and religious organizations that promote their shared beliefs and practices. Sects can also facilitate inter-group dialogue and cooperation, as individuals from different sects come together to share their beliefs and practices and learn from each other.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concept of sect plays a crucial role in shaping the social, cultural, and religious landscape of Indian society. Sects are closely intertwined with other social categories, such as caste, region, and religion, and impact individual and collective identity formation, social status, and inter-group relations. While sects can lead to conflicts and tensions, they can also facilitate inter-group cooperation and dialogue. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of sects in Indian society is essential for promoting social cohesion, inter-group understanding, and harmony.
Inclusive growth, also known as equitable growth, is a concept that emphasizes the importance of economic growth that benefits all members of society, regardless of their socio-economic status. In a market economy, where the allocation of resources is primarily determined by the interplay of supply and demand, achieving inclusive growth can be daunting. However, inclusive growth can be possible in a market economy with the right policies and strategies. This article will explore the concept of inclusive growth and its feasibility in a market economy. We will also discuss the importance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.
The concept of inclusive growth is based on the idea that economic growth should be broad-based and inclusive, and not limited to a select few individuals or groups. It emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities and access to resources for all members of society, particularly those who are traditionally marginalized or excluded from economic activities. Inclusive growth is necessary to reduce poverty, inequality, and social exclusion and promote sustainable and long-term economic growth.
Market economies are based on the principles of supply and demand, where the market determines the allocation of resources. While market economies have the potential to generate economic growth and create wealth, they are also characterized by inequality and social exclusion. The benefits of economic growth are not distributed equally, and certain segments of society may be left behind. This is particularly true for marginalized groups such as women, minorities, and low-income households.
However, it is possible to achieve inclusive growth in a market economy by implementing policies and strategies that promote access to resources and opportunities for all members of society. For example, policies that focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure can help create a more inclusive economy. Additionally, policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation can help create new opportunities for marginalized groups and reduce barriers to entry.
Financial inclusion is a critical component of inclusive growth, particularly in developing economies such as India. Financial inclusion refers to the process of providing access to financial services to all members of society, particularly those who are traditionally excluded from the formal financial sector. Financial inclusion can help reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and promote social inclusion.
In India, financial inclusion has become a key priority for policymakers in recent years. The government has launched several initiatives to promote financial inclusion, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which aims to provide access to financial services to all households in the country. The PMJDY has been successful in reaching millions of unbanked households and has helped promote financial inclusion in the country.
Financial inclusion can have a significant impact on economic growth in India. By providing access to financial services, particularly credit, financial inclusion can help promote entrepreneurship and innovation, which are critical drivers of economic growth. Additionally, financial inclusion can help reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for marginalized groups.
Conclusion:
However, achieving financial inclusion is not without its challenges. One of the key challenges is the lack of access to formal financial institutions in rural and remote areas. Many marginalized groups, particularly those living in rural areas, do not have access to formal financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. This limits their ability to access financial services and can perpetuate poverty and exclusion.
Another challenge is the lack of financial literacy among marginalized groups. Many individuals, particularly those who are not well-educated or do not have access to formal financial institutions, may not understand how financial services work or how to use them effectively. This can limit their ability to take advantage of financial services and can lead to financial insecurity.
To address these challenges, policymakers in India must focus on developing innovative solutions that promote financial inclusion. For example, mobile banking and digital payment systems can help reach marginalized groups in remote areas and provide access to financial services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and live. We are now transitioning from traditional office hours to a new work-from-home culture. As companies grapple with the challenges of social distancing, they’re increasingly focusing on telecommuting and remote working. This is the new normal in the workplace, and it’s bringing with it many benefits.
For one, remote working eliminates the need for costly office space and commuting for employees. This can help companies save a significant amount of money, especially in big cities with high rent costs. It also allows employees to work from any location, giving them the flexibility to work from home, a vacation spot, or even a coffee shop.
Remote working also allows employees to better manage their own work-life balance. This can decrease levels of stress and fatigue, thereby increasing job performance and productivity. Even though it may be hard for some people to focus without the structure of an office environment, many more individuals find that the flexibility of remote working is beneficial to them.
Companies are also finding that allowing employees to work from home can have positive effects on office morale. With fewer distractions and more focused work, teams are able to collaborate more quickly and easily. This can lead to higher employee satisfaction and improved customer service.
The transition to work from home is an opportunity to re-evaluate the way we work and live. With the right tools and strategies, companies and employees can take advantage of the many benefits remote working offers. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, this will likely be the new normal in the workplace.
Positive Impacts
Increased Family Time: One of the most significant benefits of WFH is the increased amount of time that families can spend together. With the elimination of commutes, families can enjoy a more relaxed schedule and spend more quality time with each other.
Improved Work-Life Balance: WFH allows individuals to balance their work and personal life more effectively. They can take care of household chores and attend to personal errands during the day, reducing stress and increasing overall satisfaction with their work-life balance.
More Flexibility: WFH provides individuals with the flexibility to work from anywhere, at any time. This allows for a more relaxed and flexible schedule, leading to a reduced sense of stress and increased happiness.
Negative Impacts
Increased Stress: While WFH has its benefits, it can also lead to increased stress. The boundaries between work and personal life can become blurred, leading to longer work hours and increased pressure to be available at all times.
Decreased Quality of Family Time: While WFH allows for increased family time, it can also lead to decreased quality of that time. With work constantly in the background, it can be difficult for individuals to fully disconnect and enjoy quality time with their families.
Isolation and Loneliness: WFH can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who are used to working in a social environment. The lack of face-to-face interactions with colleagues and clients can be detrimental to mental health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
WFH has had a significant impact on family relationships, with both positive and negative consequences. While it has allowed for increased family time and improved work-life balance, it has also resulted in increased stress, decreased quality of family time, and feelings of isolation and loneliness. It is important for individuals to find a balance between work and personal life, setting clear boundaries and prioritizing their mental health and well-being. Overall, the impact of WFH on family relationships is complex and varied, and it is up to each individual to make the best of the situation and find a balance that works for them and their family.
The cryosphere refers to the frozen parts of the Earth’s surface, including snow cover, sea ice, glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost. These frozen components play a critical role in regulating the global climate and significantly impact weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. In this article, we will discuss the ways in which the cryosphere affects the global climate. The following ways portray the cryosphere’s effect on the global climate.
Albedo effect:
One of the primary ways the cryosphere affects the global climate is through the albedo effect. Albedo is a measure of the amount of solar radiation reflected back into the atmosphere, and the cryosphere has a high albedo due to its bright, reflective surface. When snow and ice cover are abundant, they reflect a large portion of incoming solar radiation back into space, cooling the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere. Conversely, when snow and ice cover decreases, the Earth’s surface absorbs more solar radiation, leading to increased warming.
Sea level rise:
The melting of glaciers and ice caps is a major contributor to sea level rise. As these frozen masses melt and the water flows into the ocean, the volume of the ocean increases, causing the sea level to rise. This rise in sea level not only has significant impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems, but it can also affect weather patterns and storm surges, causing more frequent and severe flooding.
Ocean currents and weather patterns:
Sea ice plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation, helping to regulate the exchange of heat between the ocean and the atmosphere. When sea ice melts, it affects the ocean’s ability to absorb and store heat, leading to changes in ocean currents and weather patterns. This can cause increased warming in some regions and cooling in others, resulting in more extreme weather conditions and changes in precipitation patterns.
Permafrost:
Permafrost is permanently frozen soil found in the Arctic and high-altitude mountain regions. This soil contains large amounts of carbon and methane, which are released into the atmosphere as the permafrost thaws. These greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, leading to a positive feedback loop where warming causes more permafrost to thaw, releasing more carbon and methane into the atmosphere, further contributing to warming.
Ecosystems:
The cryosphere is also important for supporting diverse ecosystems, including tundra, glaciers, and sea ice habitats. These ecosystems are home to unique plant and animal species, many of which are threatened by the melting of the cryosphere. As the cryosphere continues to decline, these ecosystems will be lost, resulting in a decline in biodiversity and the loss of essential ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and water regulation.
In conclusion, the cryosphere plays a critical role in regulating the global climate and has significant impacts on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. The melting of the cryosphere due to global warming is causing significant changes to the Earth’s climate system and negatively impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems around the world. Therefore, it is imperative that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rate of global warming in order to protect the cryosphere and mitigate its impacts on the global climate.
The mid-eighteenth century in India was marked by political fragmentation and instability. This period in Indian history saw the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers and local states. The country was beset by the spectre of a fragmented polity, characterized by a lack of central authority, the rise of regional powers, and the proliferation of local states.
One of the primary reasons for the political fragmentation in India during this period was the decline of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals had ruled India since the sixteenth century, but by the mid-eighteenth century, their power was in rapid decline. This was due to a combination of internal factors, such as corruption and weak leadership, as well as external factors, such as invasions by the Marathas and the British. The weakening of Mughal rule allowed regional powers and local states to assert themselves and establish their independence from the central authority.
One of the most important regional powers that emerged during this period was the Maratha Empire. The Marathas were a powerful warrior class from western India that established their own empire in the late seventeenth century. They gradually expanded their territory and by the mid-eighteenth century, they had become one of the most dominant forces in India. The Marathas were known for their military prowess, but they also made significant contributions to Indian culture and society. However, despite its strength, the Maratha Empire was beset by internal conflicts and was eventually dissolved in the late nineteenth century.
Another important factor in the fragmentation of the polity in India was the rise of local states. During the Mughal era, India was divided into several provinces, each governed by a local governor who was responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting taxes. With the decline of Mughal rule, many of these governors declared their independence from the central authority and established their own independent states. These local states were characterized by a lack of central authority and were often at odds with each other. This political fragmentation further weakened the already weakened central authority and contributed to the instability of the polity in India.
In addition to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of regional powers and local states, the fragmented polity in India was also influenced by the increasing presence of foreign powers in the country. The British East India Company, for example, had established a trading presence in India by the mid-eighteenth century and had gradually expanded its power and influence in the country. The British were not content with merely trading with the local states and gradually became involved in local politics, using their military and economic power to exert their influence. This further weakened the central authority in India and contributed to the fragmented polity of the country.
The fragmented polity in India during the mid-eighteenth century had far-reaching consequences for the country. The lack of central authority and the rise of regional powers and local states led to political instability and lawlessness. The country was beset by internal conflicts, wars, and invasions, and economic development was hindered by the lack of a stable central government. Furthermore, the proliferation of local states made it difficult for the country to develop a unified national identity and respond to external threats.
In conclusion, the mid-eighteenth century in India was marked by political fragmentation and instability. This was due to a combination of factors, including the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of regional powers and local states, and the increasing presence of foreign powers in the country. The fragmented polity in India had far-reaching consequences for the country, including political instability, economic hardship, and the lack of a unified national identity.
A financial emergency is a situation in which the President of India is empowered to take measures to address a critical financial crisis that threatens the stability of the Indian economy. The President can proclaim a financial emergency under certain circumstances as outlined in the Constitution of India.
Article 360 of the Constitution of India provides for the proclamation of a financial emergency by the President. According to this article, if the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened, he may declare a financial emergency.
The financial emergency is proclaimed by the President by issuing a Proclamation under his hand and seal, which is published in the Official Gazette. The Proclamation must state the grounds on which the financial emergency has been proclaimed.
Droupadi Murmu, the current president of India
Once the financial emergency is proclaimed, the President is empowered to take measures to address the financial crisis. These measures may include reducing the salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons serving the Union or the States, retrenching such persons, and suspending the financial autonomy of the States. The President may also direct the Union government to take over the management of any financial institution.
The financial emergency is a rare occurrence and has only been proclaimed once in India’s history, in 1991. In this case, the financial emergency was proclaimed in response to a severe balance of payment crisis, which threatened the stability of the Indian economy.
The proclamation of a financial emergency is a serious matter and must be based on sound and convincing evidence of a critical financial crisis. The President must be satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened and that the measures taken under the financial emergency are necessary to address the crisis.
In order to ensure that the financial emergency is proclaimed only in genuine cases of financial crisis, the Constitution provides for a parliamentary review of the Proclamation. The Proclamation must be laid before both Houses of Parliament and can be revoked by a resolution of either House. The Proclamation can remain in force for a maximum of six months, after which it must be renewed by Parliament.
The financial emergency has far-reaching consequences for the Indian economy and the financial stability of the country. It is therefore important that it is proclaimed only in cases of a genuine financial crisis, and that the measures taken under the financial emergency are necessary and proportionate to the crisis.
In conclusion, the financial emergency is a constitutional provision that provides the President of India with the power to take measures to address a critical financial crisis that threatens the stability of the Indian economy. The President can proclaim a financial emergency if he is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened, and the proclamation must be based on sound and convincing evidence of a critical financial crisis. The financial emergency is a serious matter and has far-reaching consequences for the Indian economy, and should therefore be proclaimed only in cases of a genuine financial crisis.
Medieval Indian temple sculptures are some of the most important historical and artistic treasures of India. They are not just beautiful works of art, but also powerful representations of the social life of the people who lived during that time. Through these sculptures, we can learn about the beliefs, customs, and lifestyles of the people who lived in India during the medieval period.
Medieval India was a time of great artistic and cultural ferment, with a rich tradition of religious and secular sculpture. The temples of this era were not just places of worship, but also centers of community life. They were the hub of social and cultural activity, and the sculptures that adorned their walls and pillars provided a visual representation of the daily life of the people who frequented these temples.
One of the most striking features of these sculptures is the rich diversity they depict. The people depicted in these sculptures come from all walks of life, from noblemen and warriors to merchants and artisans. This rich diversity is a testament to the vibrant and inclusive society that existed in medieval India.
Another important aspect of these sculptures is the representation of women. In many cases, women are shown as equal partners in social and economic life. For example, there are sculptures depicting women working as artisans, merchants, or even warriors. This representation of women as active participants in society is a powerful statement about the status of women during this time.
The temple sculptures also provide a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived during this time. They depict scenes of people cooking, eating, and working. These depictions give us a sense of what life was like for ordinary people and help to bring the past to life. For example, there are sculptures depicting people cooking and serving food, which gives us a sense of the importance of food and hospitality in medieval India.
In addition to depicting everyday life, these sculptures also provide a glimpse into the cultural and religious beliefs of the people of medieval India. Many of these sculptures depict Hindu gods and goddesses, and they often show the gods in various forms and poses. This representation of the gods is a powerful expression of the religious beliefs of the people who lived during this time.
Another important aspect of these sculptures is the representation of animals. In many cases, animals are depicted as symbols of strength, power, and fertility. For example, lions are often depicted as symbols of power and courage, while elephants are depicted as symbols of wealth and prosperity. These representations help us to understand the cultural significance of animals in medieval India.
In conclusion, the medieval Indian temple sculptures provide a rich and complex picture of the social life of the people who lived during this time. They offer a window into the beliefs, customs, and lifestyles of the people of this era, and they provide a powerful representation of the diversity and vitality of this period in Indian history. Through these sculptures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the past, and appreciate the art and culture of medieval India.
India and Sri Lanka share a deep and rich cultural and historical bond that has lasted for centuries. The two countries are separated by a narrow strip of the sea but have been connected through trade, religion, and cultural exchange for centuries. This connection has resulted in India becoming an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.
One of the key factors that have cemented the bond between the two countries is religion. Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka, and it has its roots in India. The religion was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, and since then, it has become an integral part of Sri Lankan culture. India and Sri Lanka have also shared a strong spiritual bond through Buddhism, and this has further strengthened their relationship.
Trade has also been a major factor in the relationship between the two countries. India and Sri Lanka have been trading with each other for centuries, and this has helped to cement their relationship. The two countries have traded a wide range of goods, including spices, textiles, and precious stones, and this has helped to create a strong economic bond between the two countries.
Cultural exchange has also played a significant role in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The two countries have shared a rich cultural heritage, and this has been reflected in the music, dance, art, and literature of the two countries. For example, the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam is popular in both India and Sri Lanka, and the two countries have also shared a rich tradition of classical music.
The historical bond between the two countries is also very strong. Sri Lanka has been ruled by several Indian dynasties, and this has helped to create a strong cultural and historical connection between the two countries. For example, the Chola dynasty, which ruled Sri Lanka from the 9th to the 13th centuries, had a significant impact on Sri Lankan culture and architecture, and this has left a lasting legacy in the country.
The bond between India and Sri Lanka has also been strengthened by their political relationship. The two countries have worked together on a range of issues, including trade, security, and regional stability. They have also cooperated on a range of international issues, including climate change, and this has helped to strengthen their relationship further.
The relationship between India and Sri Lanka has also been strengthened by the Indian community in Sri Lanka. The Indian community in Sri Lanka has made significant contributions to the country, and this has helped to create a strong bond between the two countries. The Indian community in Sri Lanka has played a key role in the country’s economy and has helped to create a strong cultural bond between the two countries.
In conclusion, India and Sri Lanka share a deep and rich cultural, historical, and political bond that has lasted for centuries. The two countries have been connected through trade, religion, and cultural exchange, and this has helped to create a strong bond between the two countries. The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is an excellent example of how two countries can be connected through a deep and rich cultural and historical bond, and this bond has helped to create a strong and lasting friendship between the two countries.
Before we begin with understanding this topic, we must first gain insights into what “Bhakti/Bhakti Literature” actually means. “Bhakti” is a Sanskrit word that translates to “devotion” or “devoted worship” in English. Bhakti Literature refers to a genre of Indian devotional literature that emerged in the medieval period, from the 6th to the 18th centuries. The nature of Bhakti Literature is characterized by its focus on devotion to a personal deity and its emphasis on the experience of divine love. This genre of literature is also known for its emotional intensity and its emphasis on the devotion of the devotee to the deity.
Bhakti Literature has its roots in the Bhakti movement, which was a spiritual revival movement that spread across India in the medieval period. The movement was characterized by its focus on the personal devotion of the individual to the deity, as opposed to the ritualistic worship that was prevalent in the Hindu religion at the time. The Bhakti movement was a response to the societal and religious tensions that existed in medieval India and was a way for people to express their devotion to a higher power in a way that was meaningful to them.
The Bhakti movement had a profound impact on Indian culture and society, and Bhakti Literature played a significant role in this. Bhakti Literature was written in a variety of regional languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Sanskrit, making it accessible to a wide range of people. The accessibility allowed the Bhakti message of devotion and love to reach a large audience, and it helped to spread the Bhakti movement throughout India.
Manuscript by Sankaradeva in Assamese
One of the key contributions of Bhakti Literature to Indian culture is its emphasis on the devotional experience. Bhakti Literature is filled with stories and poems that describe the intense love and devotion that the devotee feels for the deity. This focus on the devotional experience helped to bring a more personal and emotional aspect to Hindu worship, and it allowed people to connect with the deity on a deeper level. The devotional experience that is described in Bhakti Literature also had a profound impact on the way that people viewed the deity, and it helped to promote the idea that the deity was approachable and compassionate.
Bhakti Literature also played a role in promoting the idea of equality and inclusiveness in Indian society. The Bhakti movement was inclusive of people from all castes and social classes, and Bhakti Literature reflected this. The literature often featured stories of devotees from all walks of life, and it emphasized the idea that devotion to the deity was available to everyone, regardless of their social status or background. This emphasis on inclusiveness helped to challenge the caste system that was prevalent in India at the time and helped to promote the idea of equality.
Another important contribution of Bhakti Literature to Indian culture is its influence on the arts. Bhakti Literature was often accompanied by music, and it played a role in the development of devotional music in India. Bhakti Literature also influenced visual arts and many paintings and sculptures from the medieval period depict scenes from Bhakti Literature. The impact of Bhakti Literature on the arts helped to spread the Bhakti message and to bring the devotional experience to life for those who were not able to read the literature themselves.
Finally, Bhakti Literature has had a lasting impact on Indian Literature as a whole. Bhakti Literature was written in a variety of regional languages, and it helped to preserve and promote these languages. Additionally, Bhakti Literature has inspired countless other works of literature and has helped to shape the way that people view love and devotion.
To conclude, Bhakti Literature is a genre of Indian devotional literature that emerged in the medieval period.
Regarding rights in the modern era, every Indian woman needs to be aware of a few legal rights. There are plenty of laws protecting women in India. For the protection and advancement of women, our constitution grants them exclusive rights.
Indian women rights history:
During the early Vedic era, women and men were treated equally in all aspects of their lives. Women may have received an education during the early Vedic era, according to the writings of ancient Indian grammarians like Patanjali and Katyayana. In a practise known as swayamvar or a live-in relationship known as Gandharva marriage, Rigvedic verses imply that women married at an advanced age and were likely free to choose their own husbands.
The modern laws to look in today’s world are:
Right to maintenance
As long as she doesn’t remarry, a married woman is entitled to get maintenance from her ex-husband, which includes the necessities of life like food, clothing, shelter, and access to healthcare. Except when the wife is living in adultery or refuses to live with her husband without a good reason, Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, requires the husband to support his divorced wife.
Right to equal pay
Our laws are now gender-neutral. Equal remuneration for equal work is due to both men and women. The same is provided for by the Equal Remuneration Act. It guarantees equal pay for equal work for both male and female employees. There won’t be any gender discrimination in the context of hiring practises or working conditions.
Right to dignity and decency
Women’s rights include decency and dignity. Anyone who tries to harm her modestly is regarded as a sinner, and the law very good mandates punishment for such behaviour. Each and every woman has the right to live in dignity, free from intimidation, compulsion, violence, and prejudice. The criminal code outlines the penalties for offences against women such as sexual harassment (Section 354), assault with the intent to strip her naked or violate her sense of modesty (Section 354), voyeurism (Section 354), stalking (354D), etc.
Rights at workplace
You have a right to have a female restroom where you work. At places, with more than 30 female workers, providing facilities for care and feeding of children is mandatory. Further, the Supreme Court and the Govt. had put in to ensure the safety of women at workplaces. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Vaisakha v. State of Rajasthan, had laid down exclusive guidelines for protection of women from Sexual Harassment at workplace, following which, the Govt. in 2013, has enacted an exclusive legislation- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION and REDRESSAL) Act, 2013 for that end. So, if any person at your workplace, asks you for sexual favours, or makes sexually coloured remarks and whistles looking at you or sings obscene songs looking at you, touches you inappropriately, or shows pornography, then all that will constitute Sexual Harassment and you may complain to the Internal complaints committee which is required to be constituted by the employer at each office or branch with 10 or more employees. The District Officer is also required to constitute a Local Complaints Committee at each district, and if required at the block level. Apart from this, IPC also, penalizes Sexual Harassment under 354A by providing an imprisonment of 1-3 years.
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Right of private defence/ self-defence
It is a right of defence. When defending your body or the body of another person from the attacker, you run the risk of causing serious harm, severe harm, or even death. However, you can only kill the attacker without drawing liability or punishment if certain conditions are met. For example, if you believe the attacker is about to rape, kill, or kidnap you, lock you in a room, or throw or attempt to throw acid at you, you can kill that person and the law will protect 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.
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.
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.
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.
Imagine waking up to see a day where you are denied using the cafeteria of the college or denied using the vending machine in the office because of your race or your caste, it would probably be the most horrible day of your life. To make sure that these things never happen to you, a lot of people fought and gave their lives to make sure that the future society is egalitarian. Fundamental rights ensure that you have the liberty to do what you want to do, how you want to do it and where you want to do it. You have the right to equality in a consumer market, in your workplace and in the social places you visit. You have the freedom of speech to voice your opinion wherever you feel it’s needed. Without fundamental rights, everything will be in a state of chaos
These are the basic rights that help the human being reach his maximum intellect and intelligence. Our rights ensure that we are governed by a law which respects our human rights. It ensures that the government stays well within their limits and cannot compromise the dignity of any human being whatsoever. We as human beings need a certain environment to achieve our intelligence and find ourselves. Fundamental Rights tries to ensure that we get that environment. The highlights of the preamble are justice, liberty, fraternity and republic. Your rights allow you to fight for your justice, it allows you to be liberal, it allows you to form your fraternity which makes you feel welcome and the republic ensures that the power is always within the people.
Credits- topper guide
Dr B R Ambedkar and a lot of other people saw a dream in which every Indian citizen should be equal before the law. When we look back at the colonial period, Our society was segregated into different parts because there was no sense of unity among people. This led to isolation from each other. This environment led us to disarray. To make sure a healthy relationship between the state and the people, fundamental rights play a huge part as it ensures freedom of speech which leads to better communication. Fundamental rights also ensure that society is always progressive because it promotes growth and stimulation. Our constitution is designed in such a way that it supports flexibility but that does not put our fundamental rights in threat in any way. It is the backbone of our country or any country.
Brain drain refers to the situation when highly qualified and trained people leave his/her own country to permanently settle down in some other country. It is also referred to as human capital flight. Brain drain is a global phenomenon that refers to flow of human resource in bulk from one country to another. With the beginning of globalisation, ideas, opinions, skills in the form of labour started being exchanged between nations. The term emerged in 1960’s when the skilled workforce started emigrating from the poor or developing countries to the first world countries (or developed countries) in search of better job opportunities. This is primarily due to the fact that developing countries like India have failed utterly in providing the right kind of opportunities to its youth.
This, in turn, is leading to a great loss of national wealth. In the past few decades, a lot of Indian professionals too migrated to other countries. The human capital in terms of skills, ideas, labour and intelligence is being transferred to countries abroad from India since ages. This has become a characteristic more of the intelligentsia of the nation-the doctors, engineers, scientists, MBA’s, CA’s, lawyers and other professionals. Today, Indian constitutes majority of large organisations like NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), California Laboratory etc. Additionally, studies show that Indians are one of the most hard working, dedicated and sincere workers. That is why various countries and companies readily take our nationals.Countries like USA, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Japan etc., have developed greatly in their technology, science, electronics, computers, astronomy etc. Thus, these countries provide greater opportunities-quality as well as quantity-wise. The facilities, packages, scholarships etc., provided by these nations are far better than what India can provide them. While this is the case of young students/ professionals, the academically well qualified people prefer going abroad for a higher research because they don’t get the best chances, resources and facilities for research in India. The cut-offs for admissions have became close to 100% in the best Indian Institutes. While the institutes are in the race of getting the best students, the ambitious youth fail to occupy seat in any of the prestigious Indian Universities. This leads them to explore the scope of higher education abroad.
Most of these students prefer staying back in the host country due to better work opportunities and heavy pay packages. A part from good earnings, those in the US and Europe are aware of the public services, social security system and retirement benefits. So, after getting global exposure and getting introduced to the high quality life and facilities, the students become reluctant to go back to the home country.
There are many Indians at top posts in global firms and companies like Sabeer Bhatia, founder of Hotmail email, Satya Nadella, now Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, Indra Nooyi, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo. As many as 12% scientists and 38% doctors in the US are Indians, and in NASA, 36% or almost 4 out of 10 scientists are Indians. Awakening to this fact, Indian Government is putting the best foot forward to curb brain drain. In lieu with consistent economic growth, India will see robust hiring and there is an expected double-digit salary increase across all sectors-IT, manufacturing, finance, insurance and real estate.
Both, government and private firms are aiming towards a better and friendlier atmosphere to create better conditions for their employees. Discrimination and bias at work places are checked by making laws and strictly implementing them. Incentives are given to stop youngsters from going abroad in search of work.
After witnessing a huge brain drain of doctors, the government was persuaded to take actions. Now, the medical students going abroad for higher studies will have to signa bond with the government, promising to return to India after completing their studies Policies to nurture higher education, better public service delivery and better sharing of data with the public (RTI) needs to be promoted to encourage a reverse brain drain. Moreover the government of the day needs to ensure good employment facilities for students by encouraging domestic and international investments in manufacturing research and development. ‘Our IT professionals and IIM graduates are the best in the world. Countries welcome them open arms. We can use the best potential of the country to accelerate our own progress in socio-economic fields. We need to give deserving jobs to students, who return to India after completing their education.
Wildlife constitutes animals, birds, insects etc., living in the forests. The rich flora and fauna of India have been studied and mentioned in texts since the earliest times. Animal laws date to third century BC. Later, several zoologists recorded their distribution and abundance. Wildlife helps in the promotion of various economic activities that generate revenue from tourism. The fauna plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region. With the baffling variety of forests in India, the wildlife wealth is equally diverse and perplexing. There are about 76000 species of animals in India which comprise about 82% of known species of the world. India has a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
The trans-Himalayan region, encompassing Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh comprise the richest wild sheep and goat community in the world. Tigers are found in the forests of Eastern Himalayan foothills. Leopard is found in Northern parts of Asom, Lynn and Yak in Ladakh along with Brown, Black and Sloth Bear in the Himalayan Region. The Wild Buffalo is found in Asóm, Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh, while the Great Indian Bison is found in the forests of Central India. Black Panther is found in widely distributed areas including deserts and jungles. Cats are found in the North-Western parts of the country. Several species of Wild Sheep and Goats too are found. Deer, Stag are common but have reduced in numbers considerably. Monkeys, Langurs, Chinkaras too are common as well as the Blue Bull, the Four-horned Antelope or the Chawsingha, Wild Dog, Fox, Jackal, Hyena, Mongoose, Shrews, Hedgehogs, Mole, Bats, Rodents and Squirrels. There isof reptiles like Cobra, Krait, Russel Vipers Dhamoa, a non-poisonous large snake, Rock Python, Marsh Crocodiles, Gharial, Lizards, Chameleon, Monitor Lizards, Turtles etc. Elephant is the largest Indian mammal found in the forests of Asom, West Bengal, Central India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rhinoceros is India’s second largest mammal whose number has considerably decreased and is now confined to the forests of Asom and West Bengal under strict protection, in the famous Kaziranga
and Manas Sanctuaries of Asom, and Jaldapara Sanctuary in West Bengal. India can proudly boast of about 2000 species of birds in India which is thrice the amount of birds in all the countries of Europe put together. Aquatic birds like Storks, Herons, Ducks, Flamingoes, Egrets, Cormorants are found along with waders and shore birds like the Sea Gulls, Snipes, Iluses, Cranes and Lapwings. The Great Indian Bustard, Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Quail and Partridges are the main ground birds along with Babblers, Barbits, Bulbuls, Mynas, Pigeons, Parakeets, Doves, Cuckoos, Rollers Beaters, Fly catchers, Orioles, Warblers, Wagtails, Finch larks, Finches, Drongos and Hoops. Prey birds such as Owls, Eagles, Kites, Fallows and Kestrel too are found in large numbers. Peacock, is rightly the national bird of India symbolising the vast variety of our bird-wealth with its rich and magnificent plumage fossils of several animals have also been found in India. Titanosaurus indicus was the first dinosaur discovered in 1877 in the Narmada Valley by Richard Lydekker. Rajasaurus narmadensis, a carnivorous dinosaur was also known to inhabit this region. Whale fossils were found in the foothills of Himalayas, as the area used to be underwater (in the Tethys Sea). Unfortunately, our wildlife has been adversely affected by the fast dwindling forest wealth. Large number of species have got reduced, others are endangered and still others are on the verge of extinction. This has adversely contributed to the disturbance of the ecological balance. Moreover, poaching and illegal killing of animals for their fur, skin, teeth, hair etc has contributed in the reduction of wildlife population.
The first species to disappear during the Indus Valley Civilisation was wild cattle. This probably happened due to inter-breeding with domestic cattle. Species of birds, like pink-headed duck and Himalayan quail have become extinct. Along with Tigers, the numbers of Cheetahs too have dwindled who are now surviving under protection and breeding programmes in the Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat.
To put a check on this, Indian Board for Wildlife was made in 1952 with its main function as an advisory board advising the government on how to conserve and protect wildlife with the construction of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Zoological gardens etc. The Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972 is a strict law and gives a firm footing to National Parks and Sanctuaries. The endangered species of plants and animals have been classified under this act for protection. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 under which 21 Tiger Reserves have been created to check intensive land use practices like mining, construction of roads and railway lines affecting the tiger habitat and corridors. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has set-up a 10-member committee of experts in 2011. The committee will also appraise ongoing demand for diversion of habitat areas towards infrastructure projects in states. Wildlife reserves have started using advanced technology for better maintenance of facilities and also the inhabiting animals. Haryana wildlifedepartment will make use of the camera trap method to get the exact number of animals in its sanctuaries. Kolhapur department has been equipped with wireless communication.
Along with the efforts of the government, people’s awareness and cooperation is needed in order to conserve and protect these invaluable natural resources of our country. Then only can the efforts of the government be given a concrete direction and the conservation goals can be achieved. On International Tiger Day, 29 July, Pench Tiger Reserve along with Rotary Club organised competitions in Nagpur. Such initiatives can go a long way in instilling responsibility towards wildlife among citizens. Wildlife is an integral part of our national heritage. We want our future generations to be able to ‘hear’ lions roar and not just ‘see’ them in picture books. For that we must take steps today. Otherwise, it will be too late!
Water is the most important and valuable natural resource on Earth. It sustains all life and life itself originated in water. Before the discovery of traces of water on Mars, Earth was the only planet in the solar system to contain water. About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered with water, but only 3% of the available water is freshwater, About two-thirds of the freshwater lies frozen in the form of glaciers and ice caps. The rest of the small portion is available in the form of groundwater and surface water.
Water is used in the agriculture for irrigation of crops. In industries, water is used as a coolant, solvent and in manufacturing processes. Hydroelectricity is electricity generated with the help of water. Water is also used for navigation and transport of goods.
India covers 2.45% of the world area and possesses 4% of world’s water resources. Precipitation contributes about 4000 cu km of water to the country. India has a large number of surface water resources, in the form of rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and other small bodies. The three main rivers of North India are Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra, which carry 60% of the total surface water in India. The flow of India’s rivers constitutes 6% of discharge of all the rivers of the world.
Being an agriculture-centric country, India has developed a number of irrigation schemes. Irrigation projects of Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakud, Damodar Valley. Nagarjuna Sagar and Indira Gandhi Canal have featured prominently in Five Year Plan.
The land area between Punjab and Brahmaputra Valley has abundant groundwater resources. The technology for identification of more aquifers can be developed further, as has been done in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. India also has more than 600 km long coastline. Lagoons exist in the states of Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal, where the coastline is indented. This water, known as brackish water, is used for the cultivation of paddy, coconut etc., and for fishing. na
Unmindful use of groundwater has led to the lowering of the water table. Excessive quantity of water used in irrigation increases soil salinity, affecting the crops.
Disputes also have arisen where water bodies are shared between two states and distribution of water is in question. For example, in the absence of Cauvery Agreement, Karnataka developed some irrigation schemes, which affected Tamil Nadu’s rice delta.
“Water, water, everywhere, not a drop to drink.”
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner -By ST Coleridg
Hydroelectricity can solve a part of India’s energy crisis, triggered by hike in oil prices. It is generated by the use of gravitational force of falling or flowing water. is the most widely used form of renewable energy, with production in 150 countries India has one of the greatest hydroelectric power potentials in the world. Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has installed a hydel power grid in North India. Hydroelectricity is cost-effective. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, no waste is produced and carbon-dioxide emission is also less as compared to fossil fuel powered plants.
Water of the rivers and other natural sources is getting polluted due to industrial chemicals, pesticides, oil slicks and household wastes. Around 75% of surface water in India is polluted. Rajasthan and Maharashtra have high fluoride content in water, while arsenic has been found in water of West Bengal and Bihar. There are 14 river basins found to be most affected by dumping of sewage. For example, leather factories in Kanpur pump around 5.8 litre of waste water into Ganga everyday. Yamuna is also known as ‘Open Drain’.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with the State Boards monitor water quality at 507 stations. Some of the legislations passed by government include water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Water Cess Act, 1977, Environment Protection Act, 1986 and National Water Policy, 2002. Ganga Manthan dialogue was initiated recently, to discuss measures to check pollution of Ganga water. Placing portable toilets and small scale water treatment plants along the river can go a long way in halting pollution.
Other than these, efforts of NGOs and citizens have also counted in the cleaning of lakes such as Puttenahalli lake, Dal lake, Agara lake, Rankala lake etc.
Maintenance of water quality and water conservation are the needs of the hour. Villages can collaborate to form watersheds, so that wells and other water reservoirs can be recharged with water. Ralegan Siddhi is a village in Maharashtra which successfully implemented this approach. Rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in Tamil Nadu.
India’s water resources are in ample amount, but what is available freely, shouldn’t be Wasted. Let us be more responsible and emulate successful models like that of Ralegan Siddhi in every part of India.
Education is the most effective tool and medium for human development. Education changes the mindset through a continuous process involving, research, experiment and innovation. Without such practices a nation cannot expect the future citizens of its country to be informed and creative. Climb education is doing great job.
Education is a must thing” quoted modern political activist Malala Yousafzai. This quotes further justifies Aristotle’s words, “The educated differ from the Uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.” These two quotes show the importance of education in everybody’s life. According to the Indian Sages, the aim of education is second birth.
We are born into the world of nature and necessity, we must be reborn into the world of spirit and freedom. This significance gave rise to Right To Education. The Right To Education is a Fundamental Right and is accorded the same legal status as the right to life as provided by Article 21 A of the Indian Constitution. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 is “An act to provide for free and compulsory education to all children of the age 6 to 14 years”.
The right of children to free and compulsory education came into force from 1st April, 2010. According to the Act, every child in the age group of 6 to 14 years will be provided 8 years of elementary education in an age appropriate classroom in the vicinity of his/her neighbourhood.
According to the Act, any cost that prevents a child from accessing school will be borne by the state which shall have the responsibility of enrolling the child as well as ensuring completion of 8 years of schooling. No child shall be denied admission for want of documents; or shall be turned away if the admission cycle in the school is over and no child shall be asked to take an admission test.
This would apply to all schools, private or even Navodaya schools. The act restricts schools to claim special category status because it indulges in screening procedures at the elementary level. Moreover, if the number of children applying to a school exceeds the available seats, an open lottery system shall be used to fill the seats. This applies to all categories of schools.
Children with disabilities will also be educated in the mainstream schools. Section (10) of the Act makes it the duty of the parents to ensure that their children go to schools, without prescribing any punishment. Special provisions are laid for children not admitted to school or who have not completed elementary education; a child so admitted to elementary education will be entitled to completion of elementary education even after 14 years.
The Indian Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of India. It consists of four professional uniformed services: the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces are supported by several paramilitary organisations (Assam Rifles and Special Frontier Force) and various inter-service institutions such as the Strategic Forces Command.
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is led by the Union Cabinet Minister of Defence. With strength of over 1.5 million active personnel, it is world’s 2nd largest military force and the largest standing volunteer army in the world.
India has quite a volatile neighbourhood. To our north we have China- a very big military power- with whom we keep on having altercations, not to mention the war of 1962. We still have many border issues with them and their troops keep on infiltrating our land. Then there is Pakistan, a country born out of India but still trying to take one or more parts of it under control. We have had a number of wars with them. In the recent years, terrorism has become a grave concern for India. Owing to all these wars in the past, the recent infiltrations, terrorist attacks, border altercations and stand-offs it is easy to imagine why India needs a strong military strategy to combat these problems and survive as a nation.
Speaking of stats, India is now one of the world’s biggest spenders on defence and the world’s largest importer of military equipment and munitions. Adjusted for purchasing power parity, India was the world’s ninth-biggest spender on defence in 2012, according to the World Bank. It spends a full 2.5% of its GDP on the military, a tad higher than the world total of 2.4%, though lower than America’s 3.8% of GDP. Yet, unlike the US, most European nations or even China, India does not have a thriving domestic defence industry of its own. The tendency to import weapons, military aircraft, ships and other hardware from abroad is worrying. However, India has a land frontier of 15,200 km, a coastline of 7,516.6 km and an exclusive economic zone of 2.2 million sq km, as well as island territories, vital offshore installations and airspace to defend. The Indian forces, therefore, have to be kept prepared and well equipped to repel any external threat.
One can easily understand that Indian military depends heavily on foreign products. India, hence, needs to revamp how its defence sector operates. Though the country basks in the glory of Kargil and thumps its chest over an occasional successful missile test, defence development and production remains a joke in India. The list of failures and shocking delays in the country’s defence sector is long. The cloak of secrecy under which research and development in defence operates causes even greater concern about inefficiencies, waste, questionable priorities, and failed or delayed projects the public is not yet aware of.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s maiden budget does address issues relating to the defence sector. A key Budget announcement was that 49 per cent foreign direct investment will be allowed in the defence manufacturing sector, up from 26 per cent. This will induce more foreign companies to invest in India’s defence manufacturing. It is also good news for domestic private sector players such as Mahindra & Mahindra Defense, Tata Power SED, or the Kalyani Group’s defence arm which manufactures
field guns and similar equipment. That, in turn, is healthy for India’s defence procurement, which is dominated by either public sector undertakings or by foreign contractors. This, combined with the upgrade plan for soldiers and the modernisation of the army, means well for Indian manufacturers who stand to benefit.
A policy of integrating border policy in some ways with defence needs is also evident in the enhanced allocation of 990 crore, a substantial sum, for the socio-economic development of villages along the border. This may mean economic improvement of those communities residing there. The 150 crore earmarked for marine police stations, jetties and purchase of patrol boats holds out a similar indication. While modern warfare is mostly about improved technology, it is also important to ensure that the morale of the troops remains high. The decision to erect a war memorial and set up a defence museum will definitely raise the morale of the armed forces. It will certainly be a welcome addition to the Amar Jawan Jyoti at New Delhi’s India Gate. Again, the one rank one pension scheme, accepted earlier by the government, has been given a Budgetary allocation of 1000 crore.
In the recent years, India has leaped miles forward in the field of tiding up its security. We have a range of state-of-the-art products like missiles and tanks that has put us at par with the strongest military powers of the world. India is one of the few countries to have developed an anti-missile system. India is only the sixth country in the world to develop an undersea nuclear deterrent, INS Arihant ballistic missile, Agni-5, which can carry a nuclear warhead in the east as far as all of China and in the west all over Europe. There is no dearth of money in defence, what remains to be seen is how the private sector and the army spends it. The best way would be to increase our capabilities using the opportunity and the increasing interest from foreign collaborators. The most difficult part of this balance would be ensuring a successful interlocking set of relationships between the military, private sector, universities, and the political leadership at least over the fledgling period.
What is citizenship journalism? It is more or less a medium through which rural people can communicate and share the ongoing problems in their state. One such example is cgnet Swara. Cgnet Swara started in 2004 as a website which acted as a middleman between the people and the news. Using the site is simple. All you need to do is call a number and tell them your problem and they’ll report it. A lot of times these stories have broken up like wildfire.
Ndtv once reported a piece of news that was reported by cgnet Swara first. The wonderful thing about this is illiterate people can also tell the news from the ground in a very convenient way. This is revolutionary. Keeping in mind that most of the people only speak their tribal language, it becomes hard for them to understand English or Hindi. But the problem with citizen journalism is that its structure is not very professional. Most of the time the calls might not result in anything because they are just opinions.
This is one of the reasons journalists are sceptical about this. Sometimes the mainstream media has used information from cgnet Swara and didn’t credit them. This makes the relationship worse. One of the officials from cgnet Swara said “Their relationship has become more antagonistic … It is very unfortunate, that local media see us as a competitor—which we cannot be and never intended to be. Every platform has its problems and strengths. We understand the structural problems of mainstream media and we want to fill in the gaps.” The initial goal of citizen journalism was to bridge the gap between the alienated theories that mainstream media provides us as entertainment. This is why the big conglomerates don’t like the idea of citizen journalism. Although it’s unprofessional, it represents the voices of the people in the rawest way possible. Since the narrative in India is controlled by a handful of people, they’ll always try to not let citizenship journalism grow. Going forward, one of the major challenges for citizen journalism is building a structure and improving fact-checking.
Romaine Rolland, a French scholar, once quoted, “If there is one place on the face of Earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India!”
India, the land of spirituality and philosophy considers religion as an integral part of its tradition. The worship of various religions and its rituals play a significant role in every aspect of human life in the country.
India is the birthplace of two great religions of the world, namely, Hinduism and Buddhism. India is also home to the followers of one of the oldest religions of the world, Zoroastrianism and ancient religions like Jainism and Sikhism are also widely practiced here. Followers of Islam, Christianity, Bahaism and Judaism exist throughout the world and also form a part of the population of secular India.
Hinduism is the dominant faith in India. The ancient Hindus, literally meaning the people of the valley of the Indus river, soon took on functions and specialisation that had little to do with tilling the soil. Different castes developed out of necessity, for with the evolution of society, it was no longer possible for the tiller of the soil to assume the functions of priest, warrior, merchant and artisan, all rolled in one. Roles began to be defined and people were classified according to their work, occupation and economic place in the society.
Also, a number of world religions originated in India and others that started elsewhere found fertile ground for growth here. Buddhism and Jainism, and ancient monastic traditions, have had a major influence on the Indian art, philosophy, and society and are followed by a large section of the society even in the late 20th century. Islam spread throughout South Asia in the early 8th century and is the largest minority religion in India today.
Sikhism, which started in Punjab in the 16th century, gradually spread throughout India and to the other parts of the world. Christianity, represented by various denominations, traces its history in India, back to the time of the apostles. Judaism and Zoroastrianism, that originally arrived with traders and exiles from the West. are represented by small populations, mostly concentrated on India’s West coast. A variety of independent tribal religious groups are also live carriers of their unique ethnic traditions. Even with such diversity, the message of love and brotherhood is expressed by all religions and cultures of India-the bowing in prayer in the courtyard of a mosque or the rows of lamps that light up houses at Diwali, the good cheer of Christmas or the bonhomie of Baisakhi-the festivals of India are celebrations of a shared emotion that bring people together.
People from different religions and cultures of India, unite in a common chord of brotherhood and amity on this fascinating and diverse land. Yet, there is a disparity amongst various religions in accordance with the occupation or hierarchy due to which the caste system evolved.
This rigidity of caste system marginalised a lot of sections of society, thus,hampering the overall growth of the human race in India. A lot of religious leaders such a Mahavira (540-468 BC), the founder of Jainism and Gautama (563-483 BC), the founder of Buddhism, failed to reduce the rigidity of caste system It was the Industrial Revolution that finally made a dent in the caste system and brought a new awareness to Indians. Industrialisation encouraged urbanisation, as village dwellers of both high and low castes moved to the cities for better jobs. In the urban areas, the rigid, age-old, caste-centered thinking gave way to a more liberal outlook and encouraged the mixing of castes without distinction. Trade unions and other associations saw members from all castes working together.
The British Government of India had a considerable transforming impact on the country’s social structure. The British brought changes by passing many important laws, such as the Hindu Act, the Caste Disabilities Act and the Widow Remarriage Act etc.
The strongest, most systematic attack on the caste system had come in the 20th century through the Constitution of India, adopted on 26th November, 1949, India’s Constitution guaranteed the rights of all its citizens to justice, liberty, equality and dignity. This highlights the long and arduous journey from ancient caste distinctions based on Hindu philosophy and religious traditions to the constitutional pledge of a democratic government with equality, dignity and justice for all human beings. To uplift the backward classes, the Government of India has officially documented castes and subcastes, primarily to determine those deserving reservation in education and jobs through the census.
India is a secular state and probably, the only state where so many religions flourish side by side. In practice, it is difficult to divide religion or caste affiliations from the life of people. This is probably so, because it is impossible to know India without understanding its religious beliefs and practices, which have a large impact on the personal lives of most Indians.
For many Indians, religion and their caste exerts a strong motivational influence on their lifestyles, beliefs and culture. Kinship bonding in India is very strong, with an enormous respect for family, community values and traditions. Festivities transcend the invisible barrier between religions and rather become a celebration of the universality of human living. But this does not mean that religious practices in the Indian sense merely involve hollow and meaningless display of traditions, instead it is a deep rooted sense of the way of life.
At present, Indian society is characterised by the development that has led to a free-market economy. In the current scenario, India’s caste system can no longer fully contain the socio-economic changes that the country is undergoing. Different occupations and levels of education are no longer correlated with caste.
For example a high caste person may not be born as a Chief Executive, but he/she can work to become one. A person of low caste can now get a good education and can become an executive, a college professor or even a political leader.
However, the vote politics rampant in Indian democracy tries to lure the voters on the basis of their castes and religions, which is also a great setback to the real and concrete development of the country. The only weapon that seems available to fight the rigid caste system is education.
We need to learn to respect man as man first, which will help us value the uniqueness of religion, class, ethnicity and culture of India.
By far, books, magazines, newspapers and other printed matter carry the largest and most varied kinds of information to their readers. We can get books on almost any subject that we care to read on. There are books on sports, cookery, fashion, language education, etc. You name the topic and the likelihood is that somebody has published a book (or books) on that topic. So does the internet, which is a modern development in this field.
We get all kinds of information via magazines and newspapers. We come to know about various anti-social happenings through the print media and are able to keep ourselves alert. We also read about the rise and fall of certain politicians, the cricket matches, the state of the stock exchange, the grand sale going on in a supermarket, and also about the various kinds of jobs available.
The amount of information that we can gather from a newspaper is enormous. To read the whole newspaper completely would take hours. While everything printed in newspapers may not be interesting to everyone, we usually read the sections we like, for example, the sports and cartoon pages, and leave the rest. In our country, newspapers are published daily in various languages to cater to various linguistic groups. Each newspaper gives its own version of the hottest news items plus other items that are its particular preferences.
Thus, an average person can be reasonably well-informed about the current happenings in this ever changing world; and only at the price of a few rupees.
The last century, and especially the last few decades, witnessed the tremendous strides made in the field of electronic technology. The simple traditional telephone has been joined to sophisticated television sets, computers, stereo, music, mobile phones and the internet.
Moreover, the internet and social media are particularly important for facilitating access to an unparalleled wealth of information, as well as providing opportunities for new innovative activities and social interactions. Through the means of the internet, especially in smart mobile phones the information spreads instantly and reaches mass audiences in a less costly manner.
In order to get the attention of masses one can voice thoughts on any of the social networking sites and in return get thousands of reviews back. This advancement made Bill Gates quote; “The PC (Personal Computer) has improved the world in just about every area you can think of… Access to information and the ability to give a voice to people who would never have been heard.”
Through the television comes all manner of soap-operas, talk-shows, news, documentaries and the ubiquitous advertisement clips. Large number of people are reached daily in this way. A whole new generation of people is created based on the ideals and dreams that are propagated by television. Political groups and manufacturers make extensive use of this mode of communication to communicate with people. Television has become so effective as a means of transferring information that even criminals and terrorists know its value.
The invention of communication satellites now allows us to witness any event around the globe at the touch of a remote. Even the internet is playing a huge role in the transfer of information at present.
Two mighty streams flow through India- the spiritual and the technological, indeed! Many developed countries today feel threatened with the Indian Brains taking up leading positions in their country. India is fast becoming the boiling pot of all the IT and software professionals. For a country that lagged behind in the industrial revolution, this rapid catching up with the technology is nothing short of a miracle. It is a country that is being increasingly identified with the high quality IT products, services and processes as well as wealth of skilled manpower that ranks among the best in the world.
The country is forecasted to become the ‘software superpower’ of the world by 2020. It has thus acquired a foremost position in the map of the IT world. India’s progress in this sector is quick and influential, providing the economy a boost.
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, manufactured the first computer in India, in 1966 and since then there has been no looking back. India has emerged as a great reckoning force and a dynamic nation at the dawn of this century.
The year 1985 is said to be the year which is the generator of the software and IT revolution in India. India declared its IT policy under the leadership of late Rajiv Gandhi who saw computer as a powerful instrument of modernising the country. The IT policy of 1985 stressed on the fact that electronics and software would be the answer to the problem of unemployment in near future. Indeed computers are spreading in the country at a rocketlike speed. Today, software revolution is at its peak in India. Computers are common in every home, with small children playing games, to generating businesses. Computer consciousness and awareness is fast-developing amongst the youth of today. At present, the United States is considered the leader in IT software, with giants like Microsoft, Apple, Hewlett Packard etc. Today even India is among the top rankers is software industry with over 150 of the fortune 500 companies existing in India.
The world’s top software firms such as Microsoft, Motorola, Intel, IBM etc already have set-up centres for research and development because of globally recognised quality standards of India. For instance, Guillermo Wille, head of GE’s India Research Centre noted that GE’s Indian scientists and engineers are working in leading edge fields such as nanotechnology, hydrogen energy, photonics etc. Moreover, while complimenting Indian talent, Oracle co-president Charles Phillip said:
“The kind of intellectual figure you people have is phenomenal……
The success is ‘phenomenal’ and has been achieved because of various reasons. Strong steps by the government have been taken to improve infrastructure led by revamped policies to attract global foreign direct investments. There is a huge base of English-speaking graduates that supports the extensive ITES-BPO industry. Additionally, there is a ready supply of professionals with relevant IT skills from both formal and informal sector.
Infact, to further boost the literacy in this sector, Indian Government has launched low-cost-tablet called ‘Aakash’ which will link about 25000 colleges and 400 universities to an e-learning programme.
Bengaluru is popularly known as India’s Silicon Valley. It is the hub of IT companies specialising in R & D, electronics and software production. Leading Indian software companies like Infosys, Wipro Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL hold the world ranking in terms of revenues.
Infosys is the third-largest Indian IT service company by 2014 revenues. Wipro’s founder, Azim Premji was claimed to be the richest man according to Forbes 2011 list of billionaires. Sabeer Bhatia, founder of hotmail e-mail services, recent Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s new CEO (succeeding Steve Ballmer in February 2014) are the examples of India’s excellent might in this sector.
A 21 years old Indian engineering graduate won a reward of ? 8 Lakh for discovering a bug which enabled the users of facebook to remove pictures from other accounts without the approval of the owner. Truly, India’s software whiz kids have won world-wide acclaim in rectifying the millennium computer bug. They are less prone to committing mistakes than their Western counter parts, especially in writing long and complicated software programmes,
And they take advantage of the 24-hour clock, while European and American multinationals sleep, Indian experts fix their software glitches overnight. Every third of Bill Gates’ employees is of Indian origin and upto 50000 Indian technicians make their way to US Silicon Valley each year.Indian politicians are eager to back the IT revolution. They are making the concessions so that the infrastructure and the sector as a whole can flourish. With such incentives India’s IT sector is getting stronger with each passing day. With a 1.2 Billion people, India has the world’s largest pool of technical talent and is the top global technology services outsourcing destination.
Moreover, the increasing demand of Indian software engineers is a sure signal that even the world accepts India as a software super-power to reckon with in the present era.
One of the much debated topics across the world is the importance of sex education in schools. Sex education refers to a broad programme designed to impart knowledge/training regarding values, attitudes and practices affecting family relationships. The real purpose behind sex education is the transfiguration of a male child into manhood and of a female child into womanhood.
It is the education that provides knowledge on physical, social, moral, behavioural and psychological changes and developments during puberty. It teaches the adolescents about the role of boys and girls in family and society, responsibility and attitude of boys and girls towards each other, etc within social context.
Sex education is never the most pleasant of the conversations for an adult and child to have. Yet, it is an essential one that many feel should happen in a responsible and safe environment. Due to increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS, RTIs/STIs and teenage pregnancies, there is a rising need to impart sex education. Parents and counsellors in Delhi argue that banning sex education is not a solution and will prove disadvantageous instead, given the exposure kids have to the internet.
Plato was born in Athens, Greece, around 429 B.C. He was expected to become a politician by his family but he chose not to for two reasons and took the road of philosophy and mathematics. The first reason was the Peloponnesian War where he found out that some of his relatives were part of a dictatorship and were removed for corruption. The second reason was the death of Socrates who was the biggest influence in Plato’s life. Socrates was executed by the new Athenian government. Plato started writing and became a philosopher. He studied under Pythagoras in Sicily. After returning from there, he founded The Academy, a place where he and other people discussed philosophy and mathematics to come to better conclusions.
Plato’s allegory of the cave proves the power of reasoning over the senses. Personal human experiences will not amount to the truth. Proper philosophical reasoning is the only way to find the truth. To understand his allegory of the cave, you first need to understand his theory of forms. So Plato states that reality exists on two specific levels. First is the visible world which has sight and sound. Second is the intelligible world which gives the visible world its being. For example, when a person sees an ugly face he’s quickly able to identify its ugliness of it. Because in his mind he has an idea of ugly that allows him to point out ugly. He was able to spot the ugliness because he has an abstract idea of what ugliness is. The current state of that ugly face might change in the future because everything keeps changing in the visible world but the form of beauty, ugly etc is eternal and never changes. This is the theory of forms.
Credits- Amelia
Coming onto the theory of caves, The allegory of caves was a conversation between Socrates and Plato’s brother, Glaucon. Socrates asks Glaucon to imagine a world where illusion is believed to be reality. To prove his point further, he asks him to imagine a scenario where there’s a cave and 3 people are locked up inside the cave since their birth. Their necks and legs are chained and cannot escape from the cave. They can only see what is in front of them. Behind and above the prisoners is a fire, and between the fire and prisoners, there is a low wall from where people walk with objects in their heads. Now, these prisoners can only see the shadow of the object and therefore they believe the shadow to be the real form of the object. Because the prisoners have never been exposed to real objects, they start to believe that the real form of that object looks like a shadow. If a shadow of a hammer were to appear, they’d believe the shadow of the hammer to be the real hammer. They are not saying that it’s a shadow because in their reality no shadows exist. They think it’s an actual hammer. One of the prisoners will eventually be able to understand the nature of this illusionary world and would be able to guess what shadow will come next. This will lead to him being praised by the other 2 prisoners.
Suppose, one of the prisoners is set free. He escapes the cave and gets to see the world. He gets angry and frustrated after seeing the real world because he believes the cave illusion to be his reality. When his reality is disproved, he becomes angry, sad and frustrated because he is now forced to believe something else and step out of his comfort zone. Eventually, he’ll be able to make sense of what he has seen and accept that the cave illusion was not his reality. He has now accepted that his past was based on a lie and that is not the way he should perceive things going ahead because he has now found out that it was all an illusion. He goes back to the cave to tell the other prisoners about the real world. When he tells them whatever he has witnessed, they don’t believe him and threaten to kill him if he tries to free them. They are so comfortable in their fake reality that they don’t even want to make the effort of exploring a new possibility because that might lead them out of their comfort zone and face chaos. People mistake what is in front of them as reality and choose to live in ignorance. And when parts of the truth start to emerge in front of their eyes, they get frightened. Because that threatens their ignorant reality. However, a person who pays attention to these flashes of truth and is open to the idea of exploration will always have a better understanding of the world around him. Always aim for reasoning rather than simply believing what seems easy to believe.
Credits- steemit
*I was influenced to write this article after coming across the book Philosophy 101 by Paul Kleinman*
Even today, some considerable time after the so called internet revolution”, Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) remains a relatively new, emerging and constantly changing area of business management and information technology. Speaking in layman’s terms, E-Commerce refers to the entire process of marketing. selling, delivering goods and servicing customers over the Internet. It has revolutionized the way companies do business. Consumers can buy almost anything online 24 hours a day.
In the 21st century, the rapid development of information technology and the rapid increase in information exchange have brought new drives and innovative ideas to the whole society. The wide adoption of information technology by the community has led to great changes. These changes are not simply in the context of data processing or computing. They are changes which affect how we communicate with each other, how we organise our daily activities, how we educate the younger generation, and how we run business. The great development and acceptance of information technology, computer networks and the Internet have transformed the mode of operation of many businesses, and at the same time have brought along unprecedented business opportunities. Businesses are now able to conduct transactions across geographical boundaries, across time zones and at a high efficiency. E-Commerce has become the market trend of the Century.
Life has become very busy these days. Odd working hours, hectic schedules and time constraints have changed how people shop these days. Hence, E-Commerce has become the preferred method of shopping for many people. They love the ease with which they can shop online from their home at any time of the day or night. Purchasing options are quick and convenient with the ability to transfer funds online. Consumers save time and money by searching for items and making their purchases online. It can take several days of physically going from location to location, costingtime and fuel, to purchase a hard-to-find item. Moreover, E-Commerce is an retail method for business transactions. Start-up costs for establishing an E-Commerce business is far less than expanding your business with more brick and mortar locations. Fewer licenses and permits are required to start an online business than that of a physical store location. You will also save money by using fewer employees to perform operations such as managing inventory and billing customers. You won’t have to search for an appropriate geographic location or worry about paying high utility costs for the facility. efficient
Advertising done well on the web can get even a small firm’s promotional message out to potential consumers in every country in the world. A firm can use electronic commerce to reach narrow market segments that are geographically scattered. The web is particularly useful in creating virtual communities that become ideal target markets for specific types of products or services.
The prospects are, in no doubt, great for E-Commerce and its followers. But still, there are some consumers who are reluctant to embrace E-Commerce because of privacy issues. Making an online purchase often requires disclosing personal information such as an address, telephone number and banking or credit card account information. While many people feel making an online purchase does not compromise their personal information, some still prefer not to take a chance of having their account information accessed by a third party, and will only make their purchases at a storefront operation.
Then there is the issue of inability to feel the product physically or check it with your own hands while buying. When making a purchase at a brick and mortar business, you get the product when you pay for it. On the web, there may be a time lag from purchase to actually being able to consume. The consumer will have to wait for delivery of physical goods.
Also, some businesses are less suitable for electronic commerce. Such businesses may be involved in the selling of items which are perishable or high-cost, or which require inspection before purchasing. Most of the disadvantages of electronic commerce today, however, stem from the newness and rapidly developing pace of the underlying technologies. These disadvantages will disappear as electronic commerce matures and becomes more available to and accepted by the general population.
Not only the new generation, but also the older generation is getting a hold of technology. They are adapting to the changing technologies and try to be up-to-date. Therefore, E-Commerce is also making its way into their lives. It is true that going to markets or malls to shop will never go out of fashion but E-Commerce is also here to stay and become more and more popular as people realize its advantages and get comfortable with it.
Decentralisation can be defined as “the dispersion of decision making governance distribution of functions and powers from a central authority to regional and local authorities.”
There are various forms of decentralisation. Privatisation is a type of decentralisation. Privatisation and deregulation means shifting responsibility for functions from the public to the private sector. Privatisation can range from public-private partnerships to allowing private enterprises to perform functions the had previously been monopolised by the government. Usually, though not always, privatisation and deregulation are accompanied by economic liberalisation and market development policies.
India’s fiscal deficit during 1990s, spectacular growth by economies of Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia due to the indulgence of private sector; integration of world trade changes in China and dissatisfaction with the performance of public sector-all factors collectively contributed to the initiation of privatisation in India.
To begin with, in 1992, India opened up cellular and basic services to private players and then the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was constituted in 1997 as an independent regulator in this sector. Till 1986, telecommunication was a public utility owned by the Government of India.
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) was created in 1986 as a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) to facilitate telecommunication services in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai. In all other places, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was formed as a PSE on 1st October, 2000 as a telecom service provider.
These state-owned incumbents with a large existing subscriber base dominate the fixed line service. However, with the entry of private players, today the Indian telecommunication industry is the world’s fastest growing industry with 826.93 million mobile phone subscribers, as of April, 2011, as liberalisation led to the entry of private players such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices. Idea Cellular and Aircel.
Privatisation of banks began in 1994 when the Reserve Bank of India issued a policy of liberalisation to license limited number of private banks, which came to be known as New Generation tech-savvy banks. Prior to this, SBI was in existence since 1955, apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established in 1935, which controlled the central banking responsibilities.
Thus, Global Trust Bank was the first private bank after liberalisation, which was later amalgamated into Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC) was the first bank to receive an in principle approval from the RBI to set-up a bank in the private sector. At present, there are many private banks in India including leading banks like ICICI Banks, ING Vysya Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Karnataka Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI Commercial, Dhanalakshmi Bank, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank. Karur Vysya Bank, UTI Bank and YES Bank. Privatisation of insurance sector in India happened around the year 2000 when the government allowed private players to enter the Indian market. Although in the year 1993, a road map for privatisation of the life insurance sector was laid, but it took another six years before the enabling legislation to pass the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act in the year 2000.
s that Resultantly, the newly appointed insurance regulator-Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)- started issuing licenses to private life insurers. At present leading private sector life insurers are SBI Life Insurance, Metlife India, ICICI Prudential, Bajaj Allianz, Max New York Life Insurance, Sahara Life Insurance, Tata AIG, HDFC Standard Life, Birla Sun Life, Kotak Life Insurance, Aviva Life Insurance, Reliance Life Insurance, ING Vysya, Shriram Life Insurance, Bharti AXA, Future Generali, IDBI Fortis Life Insurance, AEGON Religare and Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
In the electricity sector, the new wave of policy reforms designed to promote private participation has been driven by the need to expand the capacity and increase the reliability of systems, public sector budget constraints and the positive results of the private participation in other countries. Although in India electricity sector is still largely under the domain of public sector, but the inclusion of private sectors for capacity additions has also begun.
Major PSUs involved in the generation of electricity include National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI). Besides PSUs, several state level corporations are also involved in the generation and intrastate distribution of electricity. In the private sector, major capacity additions are planned in Reliance Energy, Tata Power and RPG Group-CESC.
Decentralisation is an answer to the problems of the centralised sector. Decentralisation in the government sector helps to solve problems of economic decline, lack of funds, performance issues and reservation for minorities. In the area of politics, its objective is to vest more power with citizens or elected representatives. Economic decentralisation brings about privatisation of public institutions, through deregulation, abolition of restrictions on business competing with government services, such as postal services, school etc. Decentralisation has also been executed in various technologies like water purification, waste disposal, agricultural technology and energy technology.
Internet is a good example of a successful decentralised network. Wikipedia, the online Encyclopaedia, storing information on a plethora of topics, is also decentralised as it allows users to add, modify or delete content via the internet. Social networking sites are also decentralised systems that have greatly changed our lives. Information technology used to facilitate interactions of the government with the citizens, is referred to as e-Government.
petroleum are some of the other sectors that have been decentralised and are among It is indeed a good initiative to boost democratisation. Education, health care and the fastest growing sectors of the economy today. Thus, decentralisation of public sector enterprises that began with the economic reforms of the 1990s has yielded angible benefits to the country.
However, dangers of decentralisation loom large. For example, if the technical capacity or functioning of a system is weak, it will definitely result in poor quality products and services. Coordination for national policies can become complex and resource distribution can become uneven. A few local elites can grab power and hindrances in proper decision-making can surface. In the absence of a higher competent authority, monopoly and anarchy can give way to chaos and suppression of public interests.
Thus, decentralisation is both a boon and a bane to the economy. It is to be used as an ‘instrument of change and empowerment of the masses’ and not to earn quick money by few individuals pursuing their selfish interests.
Greek philosophers in the 5th and 6th centuries started to question the world around them. They thought that greek mythology was too vague, and irrational and did not ask the right questions. They were in search of a more rational approach to the truths of life. They questioned where everything came from, what everything was, the role of mathematics and the existence of plurality in nature. They believed that not everything in the world is the same and some materials don’t stay in their present state forever. That’s why they laid the principles of change which they called archê.
The term “pre-Socratic” meaning before Socrates was coined and popularised by Hermann Diels. Socrates was alive at the same time when some of the pre-socratic philosophers existed so this term doesn’t necessarily mean philosophers before the birth of Socrates. It just means a different take from Socrates’ philosophical work. Pre-socratic philosophers produced texts. No texts have survived fully. These philosophies are based on the texts that could be gathered and quoted from the later historian which was usually biased.
There were some different schools of thought during this era. Some of them were The Milesian school, The Pythagorean school, The Eleatic school and The Atomist school. The Milesian school consisted of three important philosophers. Thales was the first. Thales claimed that a single element was water. Thales determined that water could go through changes of state like evaporation and condensation. He also knew that it was responsible for moisture. The second philosopher was Anaximander. Anaximander claimed that the single element was an undefined, unlimited and indefinite substance, known as Apeiron. The thing that separates Hot and Cold, solid and liquid is the Apeiron. His philosophy is similar to the Chinese philosophy of yin-yang. The third and last philosopher from The Milesian school was Anaximenes. He believed the single element to be air. According to him, the air is everywhere and can transform into something else. For example water, objects, clouds etc.
Anaximenes. (credits- stratis)
The Pythagorean school was formed by philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras believed that every answer to life can be found through mathematical calculations. Every rationale of life is derived from mathematics. He had a very cult-like following. His students were very true to his rules and ways of life. They’d often follow his exact instructions. His students believed that his studies were the prophecies of God.
The Eleatic school was based in the colophon. It had four main philosophers. The first one was Xenophanes. He did not believe that gods were anthropomorphic or had human characteristics in other words. He believed that there was only one god and he didn’t have a physical form but he can See, Hear, Think and control the world with his thoughts. The second philosopher was Parmenides. He believed that individual experiences don’t amount to the real truth. Truth can only be found through reason and not senses. His foundations hugely influenced Plato and the whole of western philosophy. The school of Elea started using reason to find the truth because of him. The third philosopher is Zeno. He was Parmenides’s most famous student and probably his lover too. He spent most of his life creating arguments that defended parmenides’ ideas. His most famous Argument is about pluralism. The notion that many things exist as opposed to one, will lead to more absurd conclusions. He believed plurality was an illusion. His work was later disproved but was hugely influential. The last one is the melissus of Samos. His philosophy was that what it differs from what it seems. According to him it never really is what it seems.
*I was influenced to write this article after coming across the book philosophy 101 written by Paul Kleiman*
Stoicism is a philosophy founded by the Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC. According to this school of philosophy, there are two factors. The internal world and the external world. The internal world contains emotions, reactions, behaviour and all the things that a human being controls. The external world is wealth, status, validation etc. Stoicism describes wealth as neither good nor bad. Although a human being should always live a life of modesty and should not pay much attention to the external world. We do not control what happens in the external control but we do control our actions and our reaction toward the external world. We should build such a mindset where the external world doesn’t have an overwhelming effect on us.
In today’s generation, everyone’s life is a busy one. No one has the time to be free and reconnect with themselves. This makes us lose touch with ourselves. This is how the world moves. We are controlled by the external narrative and are always chasing some illusionary goal that we think will give us all the joy and happiness needed in life. We’re all chasing one thing or the other. But stoicism has always said that no material thing in the external world can attain happiness. You always have to look within. Bureaucracy makes us a slave to the external world and we do not break the pattern until we are dead.
Credits- words of wisdom
Stoicism teaches us to take control of our lives. It tells us not to be controlled by the greed of wealth and status. It encourages us to find ourselves. You can inculcate stoicism in your life by getting across some of the stoic readings. Marcus Aurelius was a believer In stoicism. He was probably the richest man when he existed. He was still believed to live a modest life and people around him worshipped his virtue. One has to grasp an understanding of the world he lives in and more importantly they have to grasp an understanding of themselves. Stoicism encourages independence in thinking. It makes us see what really exists.
Personally, stoicism gave me an understanding of what the external world is. I came across it when I was 16 years old. I was very materialistic as a kid. I used to seek joy in buying all the gadgets that I wanted. There were times when I used to feel hollow but I never really knew what it was and why do I feel that? Stoicism made me understand that void. The void had been created due to the lack of real value in my life. I realised it and started studying stoicism. With time, my understanding of the world got better. Sometimes it makes me laugh how unconcerned I was. We all get lost in our lives sometimes. The games that we make for ourselves can sometimes trap us. But a true human being will always find a way to see through the fake and embrace reality.
Each of us has a unique personality, as well as varied needs and desires and emotional expression styles. It requires tact and wit to get through all of this, especially if we want to thrive in life. Emotional intelligence is crucial in this situation.
Understanding your emotions, what they’re trying to tell you, and how your emotions influence those around you is emotional intelligence. It also affects how you see other people; you may develop partnerships more skillfully when you get other perspectives.
Self-awareness is the foremost step to achieving emotional intelligence. It simply means being aware of your strength and weakness. It builds confidence and due to this, it doesn’t let emotion rule them in any way. Self-regulation is basically thinking before you act. It doesn’t allow one to be impulsive or jealous and can be gained by controlling emotions there is more thoughtfulness than envy. Empathy one of the essential elements in emotional intelligence . Being able to identify other persons feelings and opinions help them to manage good relationship with others, and makes them avoid being judgemental or stereotypical and through these it can lead to development of motivation and social skills.
To establish social awareness in yourself the first step would be to observe around and be aware of the environment. Before forming an opinion about someone try to put your shoe in theirs and acknowledge their perspective. Coming out of your comfort zone and enjoying the new challenges that life gives you. Moreover, analyze how you cope up in stressful situations do you blame it on others and doesn’t take the initiative by yourself? That’s when you initiate with the practice of humility it will guide you to be aware of your actions and be true to it. Moreover, the main key is to keep an open mind. Whatever situation come and go it will help you understand how the world works. Grow and let others grow.
We all know that lava erupting from a volcano can be too hot and dangerous but to what Fahrenheit and how is it monitored?
Lava flows that spontaneously utilise apertures in vents and cracks to escape are closely related to volcanic explosions. Lava extrudes with an amber glow at degrees between 1470°F and 2190°F. Lava cannot compete with the sun, which has an incredible temperature of roughly 10,000° F, even at this temperature. Practically all living things, including people, animals, plants, crops, and even dwellings, are negatively impacted by the intense heat from lava that results from an eruption.
Any substance with a melting temperature lower than 2,190° F may be melted by lava, including rubber, tanks, vehicles, trees, and grass. If it is unable to completely melt the materials, it can ignite them and eventually reduce them to ashes. But we must remember that volcanic lava is unquestionably hazardous and is far stronger than burning of wood or coal, therefore one must be extremely cautious when in its proximity.
The use of GPS devices or transmitters to aid in the most accurate mapping of current lava flows. The signals are obtained by radio waves sent by satellites circling the planet, and they provide crucial information for monitoring lava flows that may be moving closer to populated areas.
I sat with my friend clive to know more about his culture. He told me how he was brought up to be a Christian and what were his values. He used to go to church every morning. Then we discussed if he has ever faced discrimination due to his religion. He didn’t feel that he has experienced discrimination. I also asked my Muslim friends if they’ve had any such experiences. They also felt the same way.
All of the people that I interviewed are from a well-to-do backgrounds. This makes me come to my next observation. Are people discriminated against because of their religion or because they belong from a not so well to do background? If you see in our society, Muslim or Christian people who have money don’t have to go through the religious stigma that other people go through. For example, a poor Muslim might have to go through a lot of discrimination as compared to a well-to-do Muslim. In today’s world if you are rich then you’re a powerful man.
Credits- gettyimages
I also had the opportunity of meeting a Muslim boy who was not very well-to-do. He told me that in his school, people were always given an opportunity before him. He was the last boy to be considered for every activity and he feels it’s because of his religion. I am not trying to make a stupid assumption but I feel this has some truth to it. In today’s world, if you belong to the higher class of society, you are likely to not go through any hardships due to your religion. Although, that is not completely true because there have been a lot of events where people were either kicked out or denied to take property at a certain place.
This activity led me to discover a lot of insights into the religious stigma that exists around me. I’d encourage everyone to go and ask people from vulnerable backgrounds about their lives. It serves two purposes. They get to share their sorrows and you become more informed about the situation of the matter.
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy. This philosophy was supposedly written by Lao Tzu during 500 B.C.E. We don’t know if Lao Tzu existed. We have no living proof of his presence. Taoism is a philosophy that is based on non-doing. Not getting in your way. Respecting the natural flow of this universe. For example, if the force of the river is on the right side then you’d be a fool to swim towards the left side. Taoism is about going with the force of life or with the TAO. Tao is not a god but it’s us all, every living being is a part of the tao.
One of the key things about Taoism is yin & yang. It talks about the balancing force of this universe. Action and non-action, dark and light, hot and cold. Every example has meaning because their opposites exist. There is no action without non-action or no light without dark. This teaches us to accept all things for what they are. Taoism finds power in the natural truths of life. It promotes harmony. When we accept the natural form of this universe, we become one and attain harmony. The tao can’t be explained or held. It can only be felt by letting go.
“Look, but you can’t see it.
Listen, but you can’t hear it.
Reach out, but you can’t touch it.
Invisible,inaudible,intangible.
Elusive.
The one, the tao”.
• Lao Tzu.
What does getting in your way mean? We often second guess our instincts and in some situations that is necessary. Taoism is all about making things simpler rather than complex. Living in the now, acknowledging everything but still detached from it. Creating your own “way”. Inculcating meditation in your life is one way to do it. I can’t stress how much meditation helps in finding yourself. Taoist meditation is a little different from the normal one. It’s more about communicating with your own body.
Like stoicism, Taoism believes in a modest approach to life. If I were to give a personal example, my mind automatically dived toward the future and I wouldn’t even know that it did. It was an automatic reaction that kept happening. But since I’ve come across Taoism, this situation has gotten much better. It has made me more accepting of my habits and given me a “way” to deal with them. You can’t change everything about who you are, you can accept it and get better at dealing with it. Taoism helped me do that. The teachings of Lao Tzu make you go into a state of Nirvana. That state can’t be explained because it is something beyond words. The tao cannot be held or explained. It can only be felt.
What is Tao? It is just this. It cannot be rendered into speech. If you insist on an explanation, This means exactly this.
Micro learning is a form of short-term learning. Micro learning means learning small bits of information at a time that is simple to process. Over the last few years, everyone’s attention span is on a constant decline. In times like these, micro learning is a very efficient way of training people. It has its own pros and cons. It is very time efficient. It’s budget-friendly. It also keeps the learner hooked. But one of the biggest issues with this is that you can’t make people learn complex problems or concepts through this concept. Micro learning is a concept of an oversimplification to reduce the time and effort required to train. It may not be very useful when you aim to teach people complex concepts. In today’s world, we are surrounded by micro learning. Let’s take the internet, for example, a lot of people refer to different creators and sources for their consumption of information. They provide them with a total overview of a particular matter. This overview is rather oversimplified.
People seek political, local and lifestyle news in a simplified way. Short-duration content like reels and shorts or a ted talk are living examples of micro learning. Micro learning is a very good way to teach people small skills that are a means to a different end. For example, teaching someone how to operate a device or how to follow protocols. But it may not be very useful for teaching complex skills like writing, speaking and photography. Micro learning is the new way that people have preferred to learn about things that are relevant to them. If you can give them exactly what they need then it’s also not a very bad career choice. You must have come across many YouTube creators that simplify complex news and provide it to their viewers. That is a form of microlearning. It is a very popular and very effective way of grasping people’s attention.
I went into the Osho centre expecting a breath of fresh air and a new perspective on life. I had reached my saturation point and was seeking something meaningful. I learned a meditation technique there which changed my life forever. So the process, is that you have to lay down and breathe slower than you usually do. After doing that, you focus on your left leg and try to breathe through it. You move your attention towards the right leg and do the same. That’ll make your legs very light and peaceful. After doing this, you move all your attention to your navel centre which is the centre of your body and breath through it. If you do this correctly then that’ll give you immense harmony and peace. It feels as if all the negative vibrations are leaving your body. After this, you move your focus to your heart and breathe through it. And then from the face. In the end, you try to feel your whole body and try to breathe through your whole body. After this, you reflect on your meditation and take 3 deep breaths.
I’ve been practising this meditation for the last 2 months and it has made me comfortable with myself. I am now more accepting than ever, more confident than ever. It gave me a roadmap to working towards myself. Meditation makes you interact with yourself. When you do that consistently, you become more sure of who you are and what you want in life. I feel if you have clarity in life, everything automatically falls into place. Meditation definitely helped me do that.
I also met people from different walks of life in the centre. Middle-aged people, old people and young people doing completely different things. But doing things at their own pace and getting better at dealing with it every day. I came across a man whose name is Aditya. He is a middle-aged man in his 30s. He is not married and lives alone. In India, more often than not you expect a man in his 30s to be married cause that’s what society dictates. But he was completely free and detached from the social bounds we have. He was an artist working as a freelancer for the last 10 years. His energy was just different from the normal crowd. It was so refreshing to meet someone like that.
I always wanted to inculcate meditation in my life but I never had the discipline to do it until I started going to this centre. Meditation is so helpful for any human being because it makes you more conscious about yourself and when you are self-aware, you tend to make better decisions that affect you and you are aware of your flaws and you respect them. You find a way to deal with your vulnerabilities. I’d encourage my fellow members to go and seek out a spiritual experience free from the bounds of bureaucracy. This experience was personally so therapeutic for me and encouraged me to think in different ways and change my brain pattern towards life. It made me conquer my fear. And the only way to conquer fear is to accept it. I’d leave it at that.
Robots may be travelling to strange planets in 2030 and operating on patients from the other side of the earth. One of the areas of technology that is rapidly developing is robotics, which is influencing how people will travel, work, and explore in the future. IoT, AI, and other down side developments are assisting in further elevating the situation. Robotics is home to numerous fascinating discoveries that will be essential to daily living everywhere.
Saul -The Robot.
The robotics sector continues to innovate by fusing artificial intelligence with vision and other sensory technologies. According to the magazine, more recent versions of robots are simpler to set up and programme than older ones. High-tech ocean robots that explore the world beneath the waves, Saul the robot that shoots UV rays at the Ebola virus to kill it, and an AI-controlled therapeutic robot that facilitates more effective communication between patients and healthcare providers to lessen stress are a few noteworthy developments that will occur in 2021.
Cognitively and, in some situations, physically, more human-like. They already coexist with people in factories, warehouses, fast food restaurants, and apparel stores.
Future employees may have a far better future if technologies are developed to support new activities for which people are better suited. While millions of secretaries and typists were undoubtedly made redundant by the widespread use of computers in businesses, new jobs in related areas, such as computer engineers, software engineers, and IT advisors, were also created.
Since childhood days we all have been told the stories of time and travel and magic through cartoons and storybooks. But is it really possible in the practical world? Yes, it is. Whether waiting for the favorite next episode to arrive or hoping to have more time to spend a day with a close one who resides in a different city, time always moves at a constant speed.
No one has ever actually accomplished exactly the sort of back-and-forth time travel seen in science fiction or proposed a way to send a person through a significant amount of time without killing them in the process, despite the fact that many people find the idea of altering the past or seeing the future before it happens to be fascinating.
But there is some evidence that supports some degree of temporal dilation. For instance, the special relativity theory of physicist Albert Einstein postulates that time is an illusion that shifts with respect to the observer. When compared to an observer at rest, an observer moving close to the speed of light will perceive time and all of its consequences like aging much slowly.
Other strange science ideas based on wormholes, black holes, and theoretical physics are among the scientific hypotheses concerning time travel. But for the most part, time travel continues to be the subject of a wide range of science fiction publications and media resources.
In 1905, Einstein created his special relativity theory. It has evolved into one of the pillars of modern physics together with his subsequent development, the theory of general relativity. According to special relativity, when an item is traveling in a straight line at a constant speed, space and time are related.The idea is deceptively straightforward in its condensed form. There is no “absolute” point of reference since everything is measured in respect to something else. Second, light travels at a constant pace. No matter what or where it is assessed from, it remains constant. Third, nothing travels at a quicker rate than light.
The world we live in today continues to grow more anxious and ignorant of their surroundings. Information is indeed a boon for humankind but there’s only so much data we can process in a day. The problem is that we have an abundance of data available which is harming us in ways we can’t imagine. To reduce our tension we seek help from pharmaceutical industries but are they worthy of our trust? No. Then, what is our substitute? Or rather I should say what’s better for us? A possible answer can be psychedelic substances. In the recent past, there have been a lot of studies and experiments in the psychedelic environment which have been successful. These substances can help human beings fight depression, anxiety issues and different brain disorders. And this is just one of the realms of possibilities that psychedelics are capable of.
I will be discussing two case studies carried out by robin Carhart-harris who is a neuroscientist at imperial college. The first study revolves around the story of a man called kirk rutter who was in grief after his mother’s demise followed by a break-up and a car accident. Such events can disturb any human being. Kirk was in depression. He couldn’t think of anything but negative thoughts. He felt guilty, disturbed and sad. He called his condition “an automatic circuit” as he lost control over his thoughts. He had been on a lot of different medications but nothing helped him. Finally, he decided to participate in a study conducted by Carhart-harris. Rutter was taken into a room where the researchers studied his brain activity through magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. Then harris explained to him about the drugs which he’ll receive and told him he’ll neutralize the hallucinogen if he couldn’t handle it. Then the two practised a technique which’ll help him calm down if he becomes overwhelmed. Rutter burst into tears while doing that. The next day he came back and was handed two pills by a researcher containing a synthetic form of psilocybin [psychedelic substance]. He lay on a bed and put on his headphones and an eye mask. The process began, the first hallucinations that he saw were some Sanskrit words and then he went on to reflect on his grief. He took his eye mask off and noticed that harris had an eye in the centre of his face[of course he’s hallucinating] and harris joked “I might be looking very different to you” they both laughed. Rutter talked about his resentment and discussed his life with harris like he never did before. The next day he returned for the second dose which was stronger. The trip was followed by an integration session where he would discuss his experience.
Rutter went on record to say “ This process made me look at grief differently. It was a realization that it wasn’t helping. Letting go was not a betrayal”. Rutter was depressed for more than 6 years before this study. He was convinced that this experience changed his life for the better. He feared sometimes will the automatic circuit return? But he has some control over it now. 5 years later, his depression has not returned.
The second study carried out by harris included 12 people who were clinically depressed for more than 17.8 years on average. I am stressing over the term “clinically depressed”. They were also given the psychoactive substance available in magic mushrooms called psilocybin. No other medication could help this lad. One week after the oral dose all the patients experienced improvements in their symptoms. After 3 months, 5 of them were in complete remission. Harris said, “this is remarkable in the context of currently available treatments”. These researchers do not claim psilocybin to be the last resort to cure depression. They just claim that this can be done. After all, they were able to cure clinically depressed patients which no other legal medication could do.
The major argument that concerns psychedelics right now is the legalization of the substance. The science community believes that it should be legalized because it can help a lot of people fight their condition. If it becomes legal we can regulate the product and we can also create a safer environment whenever anyone consumes it. Researchers have enough evidence about its therapeutic potential and if this movement is promoted by authorities then it’ll be a huge boon for humanity. Legalization of anything increases the consumer’s safety as it’s labelled and safe for consumption. There are no major arguments against it but some scientists do believe that open consumption of psychedelics can lead to chaos but they have not considered the fact that if it gets legal it’ll be regulated. The scientists have virtually no funding to continue their research on these substances and also the public perception of these substances is very vague and false. Scientists argue that the awareness around this should be increased.
The public perception of these substances is the real problem. People put these drugs in the same category as crack and cocaine which is a very dangerous simplification. Although the majority of people are unaware of these substances but false interpretation dampers the image of the product. Psychedelics are referred to as “party drugs” but they are much more than that. The people who are aware of it are very limited and are unable to successfully communicate about it. Psychedelics needs to step out of its ivory tower and try to spread its importance where people don’t know anything about it. There are some communities in places like Haiti and amazon forest that celebrate the psychedelic culture and fully embrace it. But they are very small in number.
Before 1968, LSD and Psylocibin were legal. There were a lot of reasons for it getting banned. One of the reasons was the irresponsible behaviour of the civilians. People used it without really knowing about the substance. Your environment plays a big role when you are under the influence of psychedelics. If your environment is appropriate then your trip can be very soothing but if it’s not then it can result in psychosis. Some people ended up murdering someone. Although the biggest reason was the tyranny of the US government. Countries that had a well established psychoactive and pharmaceutical industry would’ve suffered huge losses if psychedelics expanded. The USA was one of them. The USA introduced a new classified system called scheduling. Under this system, drugs marked under schedule 1 are dangerous and offer no therapeutic value and the drugs marked under schedule 5 are safe and have some therapeutic value. LSD and Psylocibin were marked under schedule 1 even though enough evidence concluded that these substances have promising therapeutic potential. There was a conference organized between countries that had strong pharmaceutical markets and countries that we’re struggling to establish a pharmaceutical market. You can guess who won. psychedelics became illegal in most parts of the world. President Nixon’s assistant to the president John Ehrlichman went on record to say and I quote “The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. Do you understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did.” And after that, the criminalization has never stopped.
My opinion on this is every person who can experience these substances should do it. I am saying this because I’ve had some personal experiences with LSD. I have consumed LSD a couple of times and I can say without a doubt that It was the most profound experience of my life. What it does is it makes you reflect on your vulnerabilities. It doesn’t matter if you like it or not. You question your rights and wrongs and your worldview. We all are insecure about ourselves but we never take out the time to reflect and introspect. Lsd made me do that. It made me more aware of my surroundings, it made me more empathetic towards people so I can see things from their perspective. And most importantly, it made me resolve the conflicts within me. I had created an elite class system within me that I was hardly aware of. I used to judge and see people through this class system. During my trip, I realised that and immediately made a promise to myself that I will resolve this. That’s why I chose this topic. I was personally affected and I thought I can explain to people what a wonderful thing psychedelics can be. Like me, a lot of people find it hard to deal with their conflicts and I genuinely feel LSD can help them. If there’s such an efficient and wonderful medicine available to us, why don’t we use it for our benefit? There’s a reason we have a DMT receptor in our brain.
I would like to conclude by saying that with proper regulations psychedelics can help human beings increase their quality of life. I’ve given enough evidence to back my statement. All it needs is some support from the government and some positive word of mouth. Soon, there will be a lot of experiments and trials concerning this.
It is a known fact that a healthy adult is supposed to have 8 hours of sleep for most people of age between 18 to 64 years. But what if one feels all-time sleepy?
The “proper” hours of rest varies from person to person since some individuals function well on seven hours of sleep while others may require a bit more. However, research and experts generally agree that individuals should not sleep for longer than nine hours every night.It probably won’t be a huge problem if you occasionally take advantage of the holiday to sleep in. If you typically get much more than nine hours of sleep per night or don’t feel refreshed when you get less, it could be worthwhile to check further.
The sleep pattern has to be assessed if a person is at rest for more than 9 hours each night. You might spend longer in bed if your sleep is in poor condition. Your body needs eight hours of profound, restful sleep, but if that’s not happening, it will naturally strive to extend the sleep time in order to get the quality sleep it requires.
Depression, Higher risk of obesity, and Cognitive impairment are some of the health risks one might face due to improper sleep. Thus, it is essential to have a healthy diet, a proper bedtime routine, and a proper amount of sunlight in the bedroom.
Think big, think fast, think ahead. Ideas are no one’s monopoly.
Reliance
Layoffs in celebrated startups such as Meesho, Byjus, and Unacademy are one of the most controversial news in coming times. Despite Indian start-up being bagged with $36 billion funds in 2021 and within a year of India’s startup ecosystem, $41.4 billion was invested, and 42 new unicorns emerged.
The foremost probable reason could be the product-market fit. It is a known fact that the labor costs in India are very low. Thus, the grocery store or medical store will deliver it to the doorstep free of cost unlike dunzo who may charge a good amount of rupees, and practically it is not feasible to use it for daily ration goods unless it’s a known company like amazon.
The second one is squandering companies in the sense of taking all of the money from investors like spending on IPL advertisements when the cost is a lot more than the company’s revenue. Prey to regulations could be another reason behind the downfall and those who are too ahead of their time can bring out problems in the resources which are yet not available in the market.
2022 like any other year has a lot of interesting projects that have my attention and I am eagerly waiting for a few films. The 1st film that I’ll be talking about is THIS MUCH I KNOW TO BE TRUE. This film is a musical journey of a man who sees himself through the devil. It is directed by Andrew Dominik. Nick cave and warren Williams make music which is influenced by the devil. In the trailer, there is a dialogue which goes like “you have discovered that the veil that separates your ordered life from disarray is very thin”. The trailer has some gritty visuals that immediately make you immersed in nick caves’ world. I am very excited about this project. It is slated to release this July in India.
THIS MUCH I KNOW TO BE TRUE TRAILERNOPE
The second film that I am looking forward to is NOPE by Jordan Peele. Jordan Peele has delivered some excellent films in the past in the form of US(2021) & GET OUT(2017). US is my personal favourite. It is about a family who finds out that there is an exact clone version of themselves who is trying to kill them. The reason they despise the real family is that they’ve been living in the dark for their whole life while they get to live a happy and normal life. The thing that makes them envy the other family so much is that they have their bodies and they have their traits but their souls differ. This is the thing that separates them. It was a very interesting watch and that is why I am looking forward to this film which will come out later this year.
NOPE TRAILER SUCCESSION
The third project is not a film but it’s an HBO series called succession. Succession is probably the best HBO show ever. It’s about a media conglomerate which is owned by the Roy family. It sheds light on the family politics that go behind the scenes and how a media conglomerate works. We get to see how every member of the Roy family has some personal motive and no one can be trusted. Everyone wants to be at the top and they can go to any margin for it. The show also tells its audience how the Roy family handles their public image by constantly changing the narrative for their own good. It’s a kind of show that always moves in tandem with what is happening and has happened in the past. The story is so well connected that you can understand the character development of all the actors in the show. The first 3 seasons are already out so watch it if you haven’t already. Season 4 will most likely be out by this year’s end or the start of 2024.
Warren Edward Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1930, Buffet is 91 years old. He is one of the most successful investors of all time and a model for his ultra-rich peers. Buffet also runs Berkshire Hathaway, which owns above 60 companies, including insurer Geico, battery maker Duracell and restaurant chain Dairy Queen. He has a net worth of over $104.4 billion as of August 2021, making him the world’s ninth-wealthiest person[1]. “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die” is a famous quote said by Warren Edward Buffet.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Warren Buffet displayed his interest in business and investing at a very young age. At age seven, he was inspired for investing in the book “One Thousand Ways to make $1000”. Much of buffets childhood was filled with business ventures. He sold chewing gum, Coca-Cola bottles, and weekly magazines door to door. When in high school, he made money delivering newspapers, selling golf balls and stamps etc. As a sophomore, with one of his friends, he established a large paper route and invested in pinball machines. They are stationed in barber shops and split their profits with the shop owners. They started their business with just $25 and sold their business later for $1200. Buffet also bought 40 acres of Nebraska farmland, by age 15 with the proceeds from earlier business ventures[2].
After completing his graduate degree from Columbia University, Buffett worked for the investment legend Benjamin Graham, in New York City. He considered Benjamin Graham as his mentor and was inspired by him a lot. After Graham retired from his business, buffett went back to his hometown and started running a series of successful hedge funds, known as the Buffett Partnerships.
In late1960s, Buffet closed down his original investment business and took over Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile maker. He decided to close his business when he saw the stock market being overvalued and made Berkshire Hathaway his primary business activity. Over the decades, with the help of buffet, Berkshire Hathaway turned into a conglomerate with annual sales of $245 billion[3]. It has a market capitalization of $654 billion and employs roughly 360,000 people through its many subsidiaries[4]. With the rise in the value of Berkshire’s stock, many people became rich. Buffet declared employee Greg Abel as his successor, keeping in mind his age-related health risks and long-term, interests. Although buffet has not retired or declared his intention to retire from Berkshire Hathaway. Its shares gained about 25% in the first eight months of 2021[5].
Image source: IndiaStudyChannel.com
LIVING LIFE ON HIS OWN TERMS
Buffet got much of his philosophy from his father, Howard Buffet, who was an American businessman, investor, and politician. He describes this philosophy as trying to “keep up with the Joneses.”. This means that he enjoys living up his life on his own terms and doesn’t care about what others think of him.
Talking about buffet’s personal life, Although, Buffet is a Democrat, he has still voted and donated to both democrats and republicans. He has also described himself as an ‘agnostic ‘person. His late wife and the foundation named after her that he has funded, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, were and are substantial supporters of reproductive rights organisations that favour access to legal abortions. Warren Buffet married Susan in 1952, who spent her later years in San Francisco. He spent more than 20 years considering himself to be happily married to Susan. After his first wife’s 2004 death, Buffett married another woman named Astrid Menks, who lived in Omaha, at the same time in a small and informal ceremony.
WARREN BUFFET’S CHARITY
Warren Buffet became the founder of ‘The Giving Pledge along with Bill and Melinda French Gates. The Giving Pledge is a campaign to encourage extremely wealthy people to contribute a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. Buffet also pledged that more than 99% of his wealth will go to philanthropy, either during his lifetime or at his death[6]. He could have started his own charitable foundation but has contributed his money to five foundations run by others. Until 2021, he served Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a trustee and poured most of his charitable money into the foundation.
Buffet says that he has given very little money to his three children Howard Graham Buffett, Peter Buffett and Susan Alice Buffett, who themselves are millionaires and own hundreds of millions of dollars for the foundations they each run. For example, he’s one of corporate America’s strongest proponents of women in business. He mentored Tracy Britt Cool for more than a decade as she rose from a financial assistant to CEO of Pampered Chef, a Berkshire subsidiary. Later, she started her own private equity firm, modelled after Berkshire, with Buffett’s support.
Buffet also shared his knowledge of the financial markets and the economy in 1977 and conducted annual shareholder meetings.[7] His annual shareholder meetings, known as “Woodstock for capitalists” is akin to a Disney vacation for thousands of families each year. Buffett also voluntarily met with scores of college students for decades about eight times a year for a Q&A session and tour of his businesses[8]. Buffet has given more than $4.1 billion to charity[9].
BUFFET’S RULE
Buffet recently admitted that he pays tax less than his secretary. The reason behind this, he told is a system from which he has benefitted a lot. This system lets billionaires pay very low tax bills, partly because it taxes income instead of wealth. For years he advocated for the so-called “Buffett Rule,” a minimum 30% tax on those making more than $1 million a year to remedy the problem[10]. Rich pay less tax when they deduct it from what they have donated to charities is a fact, also recognized by the buffet.
For his rules on business, Buffet is a very sensible investor. He only invests in those companies which he has thoroughly researched and understands. Buffett personally lost about $23 billion in the financial crisis of 2008, and his company, Berkshire Hathaway, lost its revered AAA rating[11]. The most important quality, as defined by buffet for an investor is temperament, not intellect. For a successful investor, being with or against the crowd is not the centre of attraction.
Buffet was inspired a lot by the book “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham as it inspired and convinced him to invest in stocks. With the help of this book, he got to know that investing in stocks is equal to owning a piece of the business. So, when Buffet searches for stock to invest in, he always prefers the business that exhibits favourable long-term prospects. Buffet never buys anything unless he can write a particular reason to pay a particular price for that shares of the company and advises all the investors to do the same.
“Leave the children enough so that they can do anything but not enough that they can do nothing” is a famous quote said by buffet to wealthy families for charitable purposes.
For inclusive growth and employment, spending on social services as a share of GDP and investment in social infrastructure are of prime importance. The social sector pursues economic and social goals and is involved in providing social services to disadvantaged groups and communities, whether in urban or rural areas. Recent Economic Research focuses on social services including education, sport, arts and culture; public health and medical, family welfare; water supply and drainage and environmental sanitation; hotel; Urban Development; SC, ST and OBC welfare, labor and labor benefits; social security and welfare, nutrition, disaster relief, etc.
As education and health are two major areas of concern in the context of social sector development and human development achievements, this article explores their situation in India.
ISSUES REGARDING DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SECTORS
In this regard, issues related to the development and management of social sectors/services are as follows:
1) Fundamental changes in the design of policies/programs needed to approach all segments of society.
2) Expand outreach equitably through people participation, outreach, use of technology, and direct transfer of benefits.
3) Access to education at all levels in rural and urban areas with necessary reforms of the education system to encourage career development.
4) Intensify efforts to impart skills needed to face the 4th industrial revolution, which is a fusion of the physical, digital and biological worlds.
5) An increase in total formal employment in the economy.
6) Challenges of providing both access to health care and access to quality health care nationally.
7) Construction rate of pucca structure housing in rural and urban areas.
EDUCATION
The liberalization of India’s economy has had a major impact on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, with its economic growth accelerating f. The literacy rate has increased from 77.7% in 2020, while primary education universalization has largely been achieved and the dropout rate has decreased. However, despite significant progress, strong exclusions and disparities exist. Combining accessible affordability and quality assurance with good governance and adequate funding is always a concern.
HEALTH
Significant progress has also been made on the medical side, some diseases have been eradicated or are on the verge of eradication. There have been significant declines in the Index of Fertility (ISF) and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and life expectancy has fallen from 36.7 years in 1951 to 69.66 In 2019. These achievements are impressive, but at the same time, our failures are more prominent. As such, this volume brings together the contributions of leading Indian scholars on a wide range of social issues, including the link between growth, poverty, and the social sector; efficiency of social sector spending in India; disparities in health status; Protecting IPRs in Health Innovations; pollution and health; universal primary education; problems encountered at higher education levels; and child labor issues.
ROLE OF CONSTITUTION IN ENSURING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The right to health is not directly included as a fundamental right in the Constitution of India. The maker of the Constitution placed this obligation on the State to ensure economic and social justice. The fourth part of the Indian constitution is the Directive Principles of State Policy which has imposed obligations on the states. If we just look at these terms, we see that some of them are directly or indirectly related to public health. The Indian constitution does not stipulate the right to health care as a fundamental right. The Constitution orders the State to take measures to improve the health care conditions of the people. Thus, the preamble of the Constitution of India, among other things, aims to ensure social and economic justice for all its citizens. It provides a framework for achieving the goals set out in the introduction. The preamble is amplified and developed in the Guiding Principles of State Policy.
Article 38 of the Indian Constitution places on the state the responsibility that states must ensure social order to promote the welfare of the people, but without public health we cannot achieve this. this. This means that without public health, everyone’s happiness is impossible. Article 39(e) concerned workers to protect their health. Article 41 imposes on the State the obligation to provide public assistance mainly to the sick and disabled. Article 42 provides for the protection of the health of children and mothers through the maternity regime. In India, the guiding principle of state policy under Article 47 states that the primary duty of the state is to improve public health, ensure justice, the human condition at work, and prolong time sickness, old age, disability and maternity benefits are also being considered. In addition, state duties include the prohibition of intoxication and drugs harmful to health. Section 48A ensures that the state strives to protect and enforce a pollution-free environment for good health.
Process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence among Individual ,that allows them to act individually and collectively to have a say in social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude them,
The principle of personal and social empowerment is described as a process in which individuals or social groups come to acquire the skills necessary for taking control of their own lives. It is important for supporting and reinforcing the personal empowerment of other members of their group or community as well.
Social empowerment is understood as the process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence. It also involves acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude poor people and lead to an increase in poverty.
Individual empowerment is influenced by individual assets like land, house, and savings along with social factors like health and education. Also, concepts of choice, liberty, agency, capacity, contribution, self-sufficiency and increased resources are all crucial to societal empowerment.
Social empowerment has both individual and community aspects related to it. Individual factors like self-esteem. Self-confidence, imagination, and aspirations all influence social full-fillment. People’s collective assets and capabilities such as voice, organisation, representation and identity also sway the social responsibility.
It is important that socially and economically backward classes of people get involved in local associations and inter-community cooperation mechanisms can contribute to social empowerment by improving their skills, knowledge, and self-perception.
Social Empowerment means all the sections of society in India, have equal control over their lives, are able to take important decisions in their lives and have equal opportunities. Without empowering all sections of society equally, a nation can never have a good growth trajectory.The government has been trying to empower different sections of our society by adopting a multi pronged strategy.
Social Empowerment – Women Empowerment
In the words of the current Prime Minister “empowering women means empowering the entire family.” In a country like India, a girl child faces challenges right from the time of her birth or one
can say a girl child has to fight even for her birth. Hence the Government of India has given a big focus on empowering women through various government sponsored schemes. Some of the important schemes are mentioned below.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao –
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to address the issue of the declining child sex ratio image (CSR) and is a
national initiative jointly run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It initially focused multi-sector action in 100 districts throughout the country where there was a low CSR.
Pradhan Mantri Vandana Yojana
It is a maternity benefit program run by the Government of India. It was introduced in 2017 and is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth. It provides a partial wage compensation to women for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and to provide conditions for safe delivery and good nutrition and feeding practices.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
It is a Government of India backed saving scheme targeted at the parents of girl children. The scheme encourages parents to build a fund for the future education and marriage expenses for
their female child. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2015 as a part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The scheme currently provides high interest rates and tax benefits. The account can be opened at any India Post office or branch of authorized commercial banks.
Social Empowerment – Poor and Marginalized Sections
Marginalised sections of society are people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). For poor and marginalised sections, empowerment means access to basic education, livelihood, and equal opportunities for growth. Some of the Government measures to address this section of society are mentioned below.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
It is a financial inclusion program of the Government of India open to Indian citizens (minors of age 10 and older can also open an account with a guardian to manage it), that aims to expand affordable access to financial services such as bank accounts, remittances, credit, insurance pensions. This financial inclusion campaign was launched on 28 August 2014. Under this scheme 15 million bank accounts were opened on inauguration day.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
Any Indian Citizen who has a business plan for a non-farm sector income generating activity such as manufacturing, processing, trading or service sector and whose credit need is less than Rs 10 lakh can approach either a Bank, MFI, or NBFC for availing of Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd. (MUDRA) loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).
Skill India
Skill India campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 July 2015 to train over 40 crore people in India in different skills by 2022.It is managed by the National Skills Development Corporation of India. United Kingdom (U.K), Japan, Oracle have collaborated with India for the Skill India Programme. One of the prominent initiatives under it is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The aim of the PMKVY scheme is to encourage aptitude towards employable skills and to increase working efficiency of probable and existing daily wage earners, by giving monetary awards and rewards and by providing quality training to them. The
The scheme has a target to train 1 crore Indian youth from 2016-20.
Scholarship Schemes for Education
To meet its goal of educational empowerment of the SC population, a large portion of the budget of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is directed to scholarships and there has been considerable success in its distribution within the target group. Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS – SC) for SC students has been in operation since 1944 and is the single largest intervention by the Government of India for the educational empowerment of scheduled caste students. It covers approximately 55 lakh students per year, studying at the post matriculation or post-secondary stage, right up to PhD. It has had positive outcomes on literacy level of the target groups, on dropout rates, participation in higher education, and finally in achievement of excellence and building human capital for the service of the nation. Other scholarship schemes for SC students are the Pre-Matric Scholarship, Top Class Education Scheme for studying in premier educational institutions and the National Fellowship Scheme run in conjunction with UGC.
It focuses on integrated development of SC majority villages. The programme is being taken up in villages which have more than 50% SC population.
Social Empowerment – Senior Citizens
Many senior citizens feel neglected and unwanted in the twilight years of their life. Government has taken measures to enable them to lead a respectable life with economic self-sufficiency. Some of the schemes for senior citizens are listed below.
Atal Pension Yojana
It is a government-backed pension scheme in India, primarily targeted at the unorganised sector. All subscribing workers below the age of 40 are eligible for pension of up to ₹5,000 per month on attainment of 60 years of age.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
It is a scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category. This is a Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government. The expenditure for implementation of the scheme will be met from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund”. The Scheme will be implemented through the sole implementing agency – Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
This is a pension scheme for senior citizens.This to enable old age income security and welfare of Senior Citizens.
Social Empowerment – Disabled Group
For the differently able, their disability often makes them feel that they are a burden on society. Their requirements for empowerment are very different thereby requiring programmes customised to suit their needs. Some of the schemes to help them lead quality life are
mentioned below.
1. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation schemes
2. Accessible India campaign
Social Empowerment – Scheduled Tribes
National mainstream policies and compulsions result in the tribal communities feeling either isolated from the mainstream or losing their identity. Government has taken initiatives to handle the issues faced by the Scheduled Tribes which are listed below.
1. Forest Rights Act
2. Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce.
West Bengal and food are a match made in heaven. Delicacies that form the image of this land can be found in the smallest of dhabas and on the menus of the most prestigious restaurants. Food is the wave that flows throughout the state; the song that unites every Bengali; the light that brightens up the City of Joy; and the love that never ends.
But what’s so special about the food of West Bengal? What is it that separates this state from the rest of the world? Is it the spice or the sweet? Is it the simplicity or the richness of the dishes?
Let’s take a look at some unique dishes:
Jhaal Muri – The quintessential
Jhaal Muri is the ultimate snack in a Bengali household. Its versatility is unmatchable as it can be eaten at any time of the day and can be combined with so many different food products. From the local trains to the Ganga ghats, from the streets to the shopping malls, from the snowy hills of Darjeeling to the beaches of Digha, the Jhaal Muri is present everywhere and, in a way, represents what a Bengali is-Jhaal (spicy) – fierce, competitive, revolutionary; on the other hand, friendly, simple, and humble, signified by ‘muri’.
Hilsa—A Bengali’s Beloved
Bengalis’ love for Hilsa dates back many centuries. Irrespective of any sort of boundary and border, every Bengali’s heart holds the same amount of unadulterated love for the national fish of Bangladesh and the state fish of West Bengal. Hilsa and the monsoons have better chemistry than Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in “Titanic.” Through time, it has become a comprehensive part of Bengali culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
On Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), it is customary to relish a meal of Ilish (Hilsa) Maach with your loved ones. Despite it being very costly, sales never drop as it reaches its peak during the rainy season. Ilish bhaaja (fried Hilsa) along with Khichuri (fermented rice with vegetables) can fill the stomach as well as the heart of a Bengali on any given day.
Love for Hilsha has been reciprocated through art, literature, songs, movies, and eminent personalities of Bengal like Swami Vivekananda, Satyajit Ray, and Sunil Gangopadhyay, who have been vocal about it through their works. There are many multiferous varieties of Hilsa dishes like the Ilish Jhuro, Tetul Ilish, and newer innovations in the modern era like Anarosh Ilish, Ilish risotto, and baked illish. Recently, Bengal has conducted entire festivals dedicated to Hilsa, organised by hotels and the West Bengal State Tourism Department, such as the Ilish Utsav 2019, the 6th Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2019 and the Gongabokhe Ilish Utsab.
Pithe – The Sweet Beauty
The winter is witness to food items that balance out what the summer has to offer. Sweet vs. Spice. Pithe is a palm-sized winter-special sweet treat. It is a combination of fresh palm, date jaggery, scented rice flour, milk, and coconut. Mostly made indoors, a household isn’t Bengali if it doesn’t prepare pithe during the winter. It’s almost a tradition at this point as even guests are offered loads of pithe on their visit to a Bengali household. On the occasion of Poush Sankranti, the elder women of the house make pithe, which is enjoyed along with Rabindra Sangeet, poetry, and folklore.
Mishti Dhoi – A Sweet Tooth’s Paradise
It is impossible to talk about Bengal and not bring in Mishti Doi. It can be considered as the staple dessert of Bengal. The original brilliance of Mishti Doi can be found in the bhars (earthen pots) of the pandals during the Durga Puja. It is a wonderful dessert and is also very simple to make. Mishti Dhoi’s brilliance resonates all around the world. Bulgaria was the first European nation to introduce curd in Europe. The age-old, traditional techniques to make Mishti Doi never faded away, and hence, its originality was never compromised.
There is a different life existing, distinct from urban cities and villages mostly in the dense forests and hilly areas usually termed as a tribal community. Have you ever wondered what would their life look like? Let’s find out In today’s culture, the term “tribal” is often used to describe a region’s indigenous population. Tribal people are the native inhabitants of the area and go by a variety of names on every continent. A fun fact is there are more than 550 Indian tribes present in this region that have lived there for a very long period. Every community is unique in some way that sets it apart from the other tribes. One thing unites all of these communities: they are cut off around the world. Their major occupations are agriculture, food gathering, and hunting. They practice shift cultivation, clearing patches of forest and burning them to cultivate their crops like paddy, corn, etc.; though they cook their food and eat, as they are not accustomed to using species or oil in their cooking. Their diet also contains forest fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers. These people have a distinctive dancing style, music, and theater in addition to a rich cultural legacy. Everyone in this culture is required to receive a tattoo on some region of their body at a specific age or a special event. Furthermore, they have separate traditions, cultures, lifestyles, beliefs, foods, dialects, customs, and a whole distinct outlook on life. They are both immensely dynamic and culturally rich. They illustrate the cultural diversity of Indian ancestry.
Family, society, and educational institutions play a very major role in building one’s character or personality. These institutions impart value to an individual and help them become a better person in society. One learns what one listens. Young children very much learn what they see around them. If they see good they learn good and if they see bad they will learn that as well. The role of family is important because an individual lives there and learns from there, society influences an individual’s behaviour and educational institutions are where an individual learns. Now we’ll see how these factors help in inculcating values in an individual.
ROLE OF FAMILY
Family is a place where one grows, and learns the most. Just like the saying charity begins at home similarly an individual’s education starts from home. It is like a foundation where values are built. Values like respecting elders, honesty, justice, respect for both genders all taught at home. If within a family there are differences or if the home environment is not healthy then this also affects the individual. The values practised by the other members of the family also shapes the child’s attitude towards other people or towards the society. Values like love, care, protection all these start from family. If a child experiences love, care, comfort then he/she will have a positive attitude toward others and will behave the same with others and will inspire others as well. Family’s environment will help a child to socialise and progress in the society.
The system of joint family that is the presence of elder family members also has a great influence on an individual. It helps in developing social and moral values. They learn human values and respecting elders and this will help in eradicating negative mental tendencies when they are among elders. In a family an individual not only learns about values but also about their customs and culture and enhancing one’s culture proudly is also a very good value. The attitude of one family member towards another also affects individual behaviour. For example if child see his father not respecting his mother then he may feel that this is how it is supposed to be and he may also do the same thing with his wife but if he sees his father respecting her mother, giving her importance which she deserves the he will also treat his wife in respective manner so it is very important for a family to not just inculcate good values to the younger generation but they themselves should have good value so the future generation could learn from them.
The values that are taught in the family helps a child to learn, grow and progress in the society. Family values enhance a child’s personality and character and help them in becoming a better human being.
ROLE OF SOCIETY
When we grow older our social world also expands, now not only family but we become a part of society. Society also plays an important role in inculcating values. When a child grows it goes outside to make friends and share each other’s thoughts. Society also shapes an individual’s character. Societies follow certain traditions and customs and being a part of the society, we are also a part of these customs and traditions. These customs and traditions are being followed from generations and these are based on values such as loyalty, courage, love and brotherhood. We celebrate different festivals together which portray love and happiness and we not only celebrate festivals of one tradition or religion, but being part of such a diverse country we get to enjoy festivals and customs of different religions which shows mutual respect towards each other and toward different individuals in a society. Religion is a very important social institution in our Indian society and these religions are embedded with cultural values. Society creates social order, the diversity present in our society teaches mutual love, respect and inculcates a variety of values and holistic development of individuals. The social influence and the urge to become an inspiring personality in a society helps in developing good values in an individual. The great inspiring personalities, influencer leaders and celebrities also have a great influence in society. Young individuals learn and get inspired by them so it is also an important job for these powerful personalities to set a good example for the younger generation.
ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Apart from home, a child spends most of his/her time at school. The first formal place of socialisation and the first and foremost important value that it teaches is discipline. The educational institutions have a proper disciplined environment. In an educational institution, the day starts with the prayer which teaches gratitude. Different school activities inculcate different values such as teamwork, sportsmanship spirit, competitiveness, etc. Different programs of Community work help in inculcating values like empathy, care, unity, etc. Peer groups also play an important role, students often get feedback about their behaviour from their fellow classmates or friends. Teachers also act as role models for the students, when a teacher asks students to behave in a certain manner then they tend to take it more seriously as compared to any family member or friend. The reward and punishment system also helps as children behave in a good manner for rewards and to protect their self esteem from getting punished. Every school or educational institution has their philosophy or motto and these help in inculcation of good values.
“Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education”. – Martin Luther King
Value is something that is not restricted to a certain age or gender or place. It is something which is lifelong, it can be learned at any age and be practiced throughout one’s life. Good values build one character and make an individual a better human being . A man with good values is respected everywhere in the society so it is very important to inculcate good values in life. There are different characters in an individual life that add to his/her character and personality. The influence of family, society and educational institutions have the strongest influence upon an individual and thus it affects in developing an individual personality whether positively or negatively.
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