Month: April 2021
The War that divided the world
No, I am not talking about the World Wars. I am talking about a war where actually no was ever fought, a bullet fired or a war bell rung. I am talking about the COLD WAR, a war that lasted more that the two world wars combined. This war was a period of geopolitical conflicts and ideological battles. It became as to who were more powerful militarily and economically. This war divides the world into two distinct blocs and there was a constant threat of war even after the horrors of the world war was over.
Basically, it was more of an ideological conflict. The Americans believed in FREE market system and capitalism. They allowed private ownership and accumulation of wealth and profit. There was always competition with the rich getting richer.
On the other hand, USSR or Union of Soviet Socialists Republics believed in Karl Marx’s theory of communism and collective ownership. All the wealth of the nation is to be collectively owned and shared. It even had the ideal of a stateless society where all are equal.
Clearly, both of these are extreme ideologies with little respect to be in the middle ground. And this became the cause of the war. Both of them viewed the other as an enemy and a threat to their state. They started expanding their influence to their neighboring states. They had almost fanatic ideas that the other will take over the world. So by hook or crook, they started defending their ideas and values.
But mostly, a was never fought between them. There was immense stockpiling of weapons as a precautionary move. USA and USSR started to influence the other countries by providing them with monetary aids. The Cold War even went to this extent where even the same country as divided up into two halves. For example, Korea, Vietnam and Germany. There was a display of stark contrast between these two halves.
But it does not mean that no life was killed. Extremely polarized wars took place at the battles of Korea an Vietnam. The worst policy to ever be criticized was that USA and USSR both purposely helped one half of the same country. While USA helped South Korea, USSR helped only North Korea. There was no effort from anyone to resolve the war but prove their superiority. Countless people have been killed in the wars.
Another horrific war that occurred was the Vietnam War. Almost a million of American soldiers were deployed in this war. Even the American public opinion were against the war but consecutive American Presidents were determined to win the war. Even the United Nations or the UN could not take any steps to promote world peace. The other newly independent states of Asia and Africa were cautious about engaging in such decisive politics.
Eventually, this war fizzled out in the 90’s when the state of USSR collapsed. After that the world witnessed the rise of unipolar USA practically taking the reins of the entire world. It severely dominated world affairs to look after its own interest, to what is referred to as Unilateralism.
The Cold War surely disturbed world harmony. This conflict showed that how even ideologies can become such rigid and intolerant. We must live together peacefully and support everyone to become the best version of oneself rather than being engaged in this ‘ego war.’
6 Ways to Help the Environment from Home
Global Warming has become Climate Change now. Our world is now being pushed into the brink of extinction due to rising industrialization, deforestation and urbanization. Countless activists, individuals, scientists and environmentalist began an outcry about the tremendous hazard we are causing to the world, owing to our activities.
Even though many people are taking serious actions to reduce the impact on the earth, damage is still being done. We can even feel the effects of such damages as a result of climatic disasters, pollution, soil erosion and extinctions of several species in the flora and fauna.
Many people have switched to sustainability and veganism to reduce their carbon footprint. Apart from these steps, there are certain steps we can take to reduce the footprint. These steps are simple to follow and can be followed by anyone.
Read on the steps below-
- Recycle- Most of the stuffs we buy from commercial groceries are either sold in plastic containers or packets. We can instead choose to buy the products in glass containers. They can be expensive for sure but this is the least we can do to help. Plastic is the most hazardous object for the environment so we must at least substitute plastic for other sustainable choices. Recycling plastic and other materials help to reduce waste and harmful emission from industries and reduce your footprint. It also reduces the need to use natural resources to create new products for use.
- Compost- If you are able to, compost appropriate food and products. This is a process by which organic substances are decomposed and provide nutrients to the soil. Substances like fruit peels, tea bags, vegetable scraps can be easily decomposed. This is also great for the soil and it will make it fertile. It also prevents soil pests.
- Buy sustainable food products- Food production for the growing population causes huge deforestation and loss of wildlife. Agricultural production of meat and dairy not only causes deforestation but also uses a large amount of energy. Try navigation away from a meat-dominated diet and buy locally sourced and produced food items. These options are more sustainable and uses less energy for transportation.
- Support eco-friendly companies- As a consumer we can choose to support eco-friendly and sustainable companies. Their products are sustainably sourced. Many of these brands use a portion of their profits towards the conservation of the environment.
- Stay informed- As we sit at home, we are drawn to the screens most of our time. We have all the information we ever need at our fingerprints so take time to go through them and knowledge yourself about the environment and how to save them. Expose yourself to articles like these. Knowledge is power so it is wise to be aware.
- Donate to the right organization- There are many orgnizations that are tirelessly working to protect our plant. If you can, volunteer for the right organization and help to save our planet. Create as much awareness as you can.
These were some of the easy tips to help save this planet. Always do your best.
Saradha Chit Fund Case: ED attaches assets worth Rs 3 crore of TMC leaders
Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth 3 crore rupees of TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh, Satabdi Roy and Debjani Mukherjee in the Saradha chit fund money laundering case. It said a provisional order for attachment of the movable and immovable properties has been issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
5 security personnel martyred in encounter with Maoists in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh; PM says, sacrifice of brave martyrs will never be forgotten
The number of security personnel injured in the encounter in Chhattisgarh has increased to 24. The encounter took place between security forces and Maoists in Jagargunda area of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district yesterday.
In this gun battle, five security personnel were martyred. Police also recovered bodies of two Maoists, including a female rebel, from the spot. Meanwhile, 24 injured jawans have been brought to Bijapur district headquarters. Out of these, seven criticality injured jawans have been airlifted to the capital Raipur for better treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts are with the families of those martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. In a tweet, Prime Minister said the sacrifice of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten. He wished speedy recovery of those injured.
Home Minister Amit Shah has paid tributes to the sacrifices of brave security personnel martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. In his message, Mr Shah said that the Nation will never forget the valour of our brave security personnel.
He extended condolences to the families of the martyred and wished for speedy recovery of those injured. The Home Minister also asserted that the country will continue it’s fight against the enemies of peace & progress.
Bihar govt orders closure of schools and colleges till 11th April
Bihar government has ordered closure of schools, colleges and coaching institutes till April 11 in view of rising cases of Covid-19. This decision was taken at a Crisis management Committee meeting. AIR correspondent reports that there will be no public gathering till the end of this month, except for funerals and marriages with restrictions. Maximum 50 people will be allowed in a funeral, while 250 in a marriage ceremony.
In case of scheduled examinations, the schools and colleges will have to strictly follow the Covid protocols. All DMs and SPs have been instructed to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are followed at religious places, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and other public places. Transport department has been asked to ensure that not more than 50 percent people travel in public transport till April 15.
Meanwhile, record 836 fresh cases were reported during the last 24 hours. Maximum 359 cases are from Patna. However, Covid-19 recovery rate is 98.31 per cent in Bihar with two lakh 62 thousand 988 patients recovering from the infection in the State so far. Over one lakh 71 thousand people were vaccinated yesterday. Over 34 lakh 18 thousand people have so far been vaccinated in the State.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has instructed health department to increase the number of covid tests, especially RT-PCR, and also increase Covid-19 vaccination along with keeping hospitals ready with all facilities.
Odisha govt imposes night curfew in 10 districts from tomorrow in view of rising COVID-19 cases
The Odisha government has imposed a night curfew in 10 districts between 10 pm to 5 am from tomorrow in view of rising COVID-19 cases. The districts where night curfew will be imposed are Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nawrangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri.
All shops, commercial establishments, offices, institutions will remain closed and movement of individuals will be prohibited between 10 pm to 5 am, except for essential activities. District Collectors have been allowed to impose any further restrictions or allow such activities as felt appropriate considering the local situation.
Over 7 crore 44 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered in the country so far
India has inched closer to administering nearly 7 crore 50 lakh COVID-19 Vaccine doses. Continuing with its largest vaccination drive in the world, the nation administered over 13 lakh doses till yesterday evening on the 78th day of its nationwide vaccination programme. India is one of the fastest countries in the world to have accomplished administration of over 7 crore 44 lakh COVID-19 Vaccine doses in a such a short interval of time.
The nation commenced the largest vaccination drive in the world on 16th January this year with vaccination of healthcare workers. Vaccination of front line workers began from 2nd February whereas from 1st of March vaccination of everyone aged above 60 years and above 45 years with specified co-morbidities was undertaken. Widening the scope of Vaccination, from 1st of this month, under the current phase everyone above the age of 45 is being vaccinated.
The Health Ministry has informed that in a short span of time over 4 crore 57 lakh people above 45 years have already been administered the first shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine whereas another 7 lakh 65 thousand have received the second dose of the vaccine as well.
Campaigning to end today for assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry & 3rd phase of polling in West Bengal, Assam
Campaigning will end this evening for assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry and third phase of polling in Assam and West Bengal. While single phase polling will be held in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry on Tuesday, Assam is witnessing three-phase voting, and that of West Bengal eight phases. Third phase of polling in Assam and West Bengal will be held on Tuesday.
Bypolls to Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu and Malappuram Parliamentary constituency in Kerala will also be conducted simultaneously. Voting for 40 assembly seats in Assam and 31 seats in West Bengal will be held in this phase. On Tuesday, single-phase polling is taking place for 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, 140 constituencies in Kerala and 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry.
Why committing to routines is the best way to success?
You might have been told to maintain a routine in your daily life. But do we even enjoy it or does it make us more effective and productive? We often despise our routine and feel restrictive. But real routines are supposed to make us feel productive and useful and leave us with energy and peace of mind.
I have got a few hacks and wise words that will help you develop a better routine for yourself. Read on:
- Divide and invest your energy intentionally. You only have a fixed amount of energy each day. After that we retire to our sleep to fuel up for the next day. Dandapani, a spiritual and wisdom teacher advocates that where our attention goes, energy flows. If you spend time scrolling through your phone, your mental, emotional and physical energy is being spent there and as a result you are spending some of your energy there. However, if you had been reading a book your energy would have been spent somewhere else. It is not about negative or positive places, the universe only has energy. You can be a little bit more intentional with where you spend your energy. This is the first step, to become aware of how and where you are spending your energy.
- The next step is to curate a routine specific for you. You might have seen countless daily routine videos on the internet but we must realize that every person has different energy cycles and so we need to customize our own routines. Ideally, our routine must have some creating and consuming activities. This would help to create a balance of energy throughout the day. Jay Shetty, a former monk and now a viral influencer, says that is his past experience as a monk has revolved around routines. These routines he says are not to impose but to help train the minds of the monks. In his book, Think Like a Monk, he says that the monk philosophy can be put to use quite effectively in our lives as well. He also says that we do not need to wake up at 4 in the morning or chant prayers. We just need to have a well-intentioned start to the day. Build a routine that does not drain off our energy and make us feel clumsy at the end of the day. Even the simplest work we do like brushing our teeth can help us become aware of the importance it plays in our life.
- Lastly, habit formation is in vogue now. James Clear, a bestselling author attributes his success to his routines. He has a simple routine which has curated for himself. In his book, he gives simple ideas like making the habit obvious and rewarding for you. This will automate your habits and routines and make them easy yet effective for you. If we get even 1% better every day, then we will be 100% better at the end of the year. He says that our daily habits compound over time.
These were some habit tips that helped me build an efficient routine for me. I hope these best tips from some of the influential and successful people.
Ambassador Vikram Misri interacts with representatives of Indian industry in Shanghai
India’s Ambassador to China Vikram Misri interacted with representatives of Indian industry in Shanghai yesterday. He will also launch India@75 celebrations today in Shanghai. The event was attended by more than 30 representatives representing 8 sectors such as textiles, pharma, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, IT, banking etc. AIR correspondent reports, Ambassador Misri discussed the issues related to business risk in the fluid current geopolitical scenario. He also discussed the general issues faced by the businesses such as flights and visa for their Indian employees who want to come back to China. Amid a geopolitical tussle including tensions in technology and trade, with the western countries led by the US, Chinese companies and businesses are facing sanctions on various counts. China has also announced tit for tat sanctions, affecting the whole business environment.
Amid the border tensions in Ladakh, India had tightened regulatory requirements last year for investments from China and banned more than 200 Chinese apps which were considered “prejudicial to sovereignty, security of state and public order”. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global trade flows have been slowed, although there has still been strong demand for medical equipment and supplies which has largely contributed to China becoming India’s top trade partner in 2020.
CBSE not to reduce syllabus for students of classes 9 to 12 for academic year 2021-22
The Central Board of Secondary Education ( CBSE) has decided not to reduce the syllabus for the students of classes 9 to 12 for academic year 2021-22.
The board has released the new syllabus in which the chapters and topics that were removed in the last academic year have been restored for the upcoming academic session 2021-22. Official sources said the reduction in the syllabus was a one-time measure only for the 2021 board exams.
Last year, CBSE had rationalised the syllabus by up to 30 per cent for classes 9 to 12 for the year 2020-21 to reduce the course load of students in view of COVID-19 pandemic. The students who studied the reduced syllabus will appear in exams in May-June this year.
India’s biggest floating solar power plant to be set up at Ramagundam in Telangana
India’s biggest floating solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW will be set up at Ramagundam in Telangana. The project expected to be opened in May, is being set up at Ramagundam thermal power plant reservoir. The solar project is commissioned by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The project, which is estimated to cost around 423 crore rupees, will have 4.5 lakh photovoltaic panels.
The solar panels will cover 450-acre area of the reservoir and can be expanded in the future. NTPC’s efforts to set up floating solar power projects is aimed at reducing its carbon footprints and accelerate its green energy production to 30 per cent of its capacity.
The world’s largest solar power plant with 600 MW capacity is being set up on Omkareshwar Dam on Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. The project costing 3,000 crore rupees is expected to start power generation only by 2022-23.
Railway logs highest ever route electrification in single year
Indian Railways has logged highest ever electrification of sections covering over six thousand route kilometer in a single year during 2020-21. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it has surpassed the previous highest of over five thousand route kilometer achieved in 2018-19. Indian Railways has given a lot of emphasis on electrification in the recent years to reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum-based energy.
More than five times electrification was achieved in the last seven years as compared to 2007-14. It has also commissioned a record 56 Traction Sub Stations during 2020-21, as against previous best of 42, which shows an improvement of 33 percent. Some of the Major sections electrified by the Indian Railways over the years include Mumbai-Howrah via Jabalpur, Delhi-Darbhanga-Jaynagar and Chennai-Trichy.
Ministry of Railways said that Railways has planned to fully electrify its tracks by December 2023. Total Rail electrification would contribute to the goal of “net zero” emissions by 2030 by drawing its entire electrical load from renewable energy sources.
Campaigning gains momentum in poll-bound States and UT; PM Modi to address rallies in Assam, West Bengal today
Campaigning for the next phase of assembly election in West Bengal reached its feverish peak as senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address rallies in the same districts today. AIR correspondent reports that Bharatiya Janata Party is leaving no stone unturned to oust the decade-old Trinamool Congress government from power in West Bengal and it is evident from the back-to-back campaigning schedules of the topmost leaders of the party.
After Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state again within a short span. He will be addressing two rallies in Hooghly and South 24 parganas this afternoon.
Star campaigners like Yogi Adiyanath, Jyotiraditya Schindhia and Goutam Gambhir are also expected to take part in campaigns in favour of party candidates. Ruling Trinamool Congress is mostly banking on the charisma and popularity of party Supremo Mamata Banerjee, usually addressed as DIDI, to remain in power. Ms Banerjee has been seeking votes on behalf of TMC candidates in 291 seats. She will be addressing three rallies in South 24 Parganas and another one in Hooghly along with a roadshow in Howrah.
Star campaigner of the party Abhishek Banerjee will also be taking part in meetings and roadshows in the same districts. On the other hand, leaders of Sanjukta Morcha, the alliance of left parties, congress and ISF will be attending road shows at Chanditala and Singur of Hooghly in support of CPIM candidates while Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury will be addressing a rally at Basirhat and a road show at Panihati in North 24 Parganas. Madhuparna Dhar Chowdhuri,
All eyes are on the Baruipur Paschim assembly segment of South 24 Pargana district in the assembly elections. Polling on this seat will be held in the third phase on 6th April. Senior Trinamool Congress leader and speaker of West Bengal assembly Biman Banerjee is toiling hard for his third consecutive victory. Baruipur Paschim was created in 2011 following multiple fragmentation of erstwhile Baruipur assembly constituency. It comprises a size of two lakh fifty-three thousand (2.53 Lakh) voters.
In this year’s assembly elections BJP and CPM have pitted new candidates against the Trinamool nominee. Debopam Chattopadhyaya is the fresh face from BJP whereas CPM has exuded it’s confidence in 39 years old Md. Lahek Ali. A high polling turnout constituency Baruipur Paschim has a previous trend of direct contest of winner and first runner up. On the other hand side-lining the rest of the contestants.
In 2016 assembly elections over 90 percent of total polled votes went to the kitty of winner and first runner up. Biman Chatterjee had defeated CPM candidate Saifuddin Khan by a comfortable margin of more than 36 thousand votes. Apart from other issues, rising unemployment is a major concern for the voters of this constituency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election rally at Tamulpur in Assam today. Congress leader and Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will attend couple of meetings today at Barpeta and Bongaigaon districts.
In Assam, East Kokrajhar has become one of the most attractive constituency with the arrival of several star campaigners. This seat is likely to see a straight fight between the NDA and Mahajath. Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi has recently addressed an election rally at Kokrajhar.
After the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts and now Bodoland Territorial Region, Kokrajhar has become one of the most important place of political importance. Polling will be held on 6th of this month.
AIR correspondent reports, senior BPF leader and minister in the Sonowal government, Pramila Rani Brahma is representing the East Kokrajhar seat for the last 30 years. In 2016, she defeated her nearest rival with a margin of 40 thousand votes. This time, BPF is in coalition with Congress. The NDA has fielded former student leader Lawrance Islary in UPPL ticket. The close associate of UPPL Chief Promod Bodo, Mr. Islary left the All Bodo Students Union and has joined active politics after the signing of the BTR accord.
Pramila Rani Brahma is facing a tough challenge from Lawrance Islary backed by star-studded campaigners of the BJP. However, BPF President Hagrama Mahilary along with senior Congress leaders are also making all-out efforts to retain the seat. Though there are a total of 5 candidates are in the fray, but the main contest is likely to have between the 2 Bodo political fronts -BPF and UPPL.
In Kerala, with just two days left to end the public campaign for the Assembly elections, all the major fronts are intensively campaigning with full vigour and enthusiasm.
All the necessary election preparations are also underway, for the assembly polls on April 6th. AIR correspondent reports, As the State is in the final phase of campaigning, all the three major fronts are ensuring the presence of their national leaders.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and Prahlad Joshi will arrive in Kerala today for NDA campaign. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in various election campaigns of UDF today. Senior national CPM Leaders are also actively campaigning in various constituencies for LDF.
All the major fronts are making every effort to popularise their election manifestos.
Meanwhile, on account of Covid pandemic, the Election Commission banned the “kalashakottu” this time, which is the mass campaigning of party workers in the last hours of public campaign in the center of town or city. The commission instead permitted campaigning till 7pm on Sunday. Due to the covid scenario, it is directed that strict covid guidelines need to be followed in the entire election process and prohibited any kind of campaigning process involving children.
Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the ruling LDF and Opposition UDF, saying that they are twins in areas of misgovernance and corruption. Mr. Modi was addressing NDA’s election rally at Karyavattom Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday evening.
The Prime Minister said that the left government in Kerala is not positive towards Central initiatives. He also said that the people are identifying NDA as a suitable alliance to address the developmental needs of society. Thiruvananthapuram is the district where BJP expects a big leap in the upcoming Assembly elections.
All 14 constituencies in the Capital district are likely to witness a strong triangular fight. BJP’s lone Assembly seat in Kerala, Nemom is also situated in Thiruvananthapuram. Earlier yesterday, the Prime Minister addressed a rally at Konni in the Pathanamthitta district. Thiruvananthapuram rally is the final rally of Mr. Modi in this campaign season in South India.
In Tamil Nadu, electioneering in all the 234 constituencies comes to a close tomorrow at seven in the evening. The State goes to a single-phase poll on the 6th of this month. Bye poll for the lone Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat will also be held on the same day. The constituency fell vacant after the death of Congress MP Vasanthakumar.
Campaigning is vigorous all through the State. Star campaigners of all the parties do not want to leave any stone unturned during campaigning. Parties continue their tirade against each other while garnering votes for their alliances during electioneering.
AIR correspondent reports, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will have road shows in Chennai and Thirunelveli to garner votes for his alliance partners. Senior Aiadmk leader and chief minister Palanisami is campaigning at Salem.
DMK leader Stalin is visiting constituencies at Chennai and surrounding areas. Candidates are involved in door-to-door canvassing to meet the voters.
Election officials are involved in checking out the areas in which voters list have to be distributed. Flying squads and monitoring officials are also vigilant to check violators of the model code of conduct.
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